2005 (Executive Committee—56th Session) No. 104 (LVI) – CONCLUSION ON LOCAL INTEGRATION (2005) The Executive Committee, Reaffirming that voluntary repatriation, local integration and resettlement are the traditional durable solutions, and that all remain viable and important responses to refugee situations; reiterating that voluntary repatriation, in safety and dignity, where and when feasible, remains the most preferred solution in the majority of refugee situations; noting that a combination of solutions, taking into account the specific circumstances of each refugee situation, can help achieve lasting solutions; and agreeing that local integration is a sovereign decision and an option to be exercised by States guided by their treaty obligations and human rights principles, and that the provisions of this Conclusion are for the guidance of States and UNHCR when local integration is to be considered, Recalling the Agenda for Protection Goal 5, Objective 4 requesting the Executive Committee to set out framework considerations for implementing the solution of local integration in the form of a Conclusion; and noting that the provisions of this Conclusion are intended to guide States in their consideration of whether local integration, taking into account the specific circumstances of each refugee situation, may be an appropriate durable solution for persons accepted as refugees in their territory pursuant to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, or under the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, or the 1984 Cartagena Declaration on Refugees, or under domestic law, as applicable, as well as when implementing it, Recalling that the ultimate goal of international protection is to achieve durable solutions for refugees; and noting that a solutions orientation is inherent in General Assembly Resolution 428 (V) of 14 December 1950 adopting the Statute of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in the Statute itself, and in the 1951 Convention through its provisions on cessation, integration and naturalization, Considering that refugee situations are international in scope and nature and therefore reiterating its strong commitment to international solidarity and burden and responsibility sharing; and reaffirming UNHCR's catalytic role in assisting and supporting countries receiving refugees, particularly developing countries and countries with economies in transition, and in mobilizing financial assistance and other forms of support, including development assistance from the international community to address the impact of large-scale refugee populations, Acknowledging that the global refugee situation represents an international challenge requiring international burden and responsibility sharing to be addressed effectively; and, recognizing that allowing for local integration, where applicable, is an act of States which is a durable solution for refugees that contributes to that burden and responsibility sharing, without prejudice to the specific situation of certain developing countries facing mass influxes, Reiterating that coordinated national and international efforts aimed at addressing the factors that lead to the flow of refugees should continue, Expressing appreciation for the efforts made in recent years to redouble the search for durable solutions in the context of the Global Consultations on International Protection and of the Agenda for Protection, which fostered, inter alia, the Convention Plus initiative and the Framework for Durable Solutions, Recognizing that some countries of asylum carry a heavy burden, in particular developing countries, countries with economies in transition and least developed countries which host large numbers of refugees and asylum-seekers, especially when they have arrived as part of a mass influx and have remained for a long period of time, Noting that local integration in the refugee context is a dynamic and multifaceted two-way process, which requires efforts by all parties concerned, including a preparedness on the part of refugees to adapt to the host society without having to forego their own cultural identity, and a corresponding readiness on the part of host communities and public institutions to welcome refugees and to meet the needs of a diverse population, Recognizing that local integration needs to be undertaken in a manner that sustains the viability of local communities affected by the presence of refugees and that a failure to do so may result in an unreasonable burden being placed on host countries, Affirming the value of strengthening capacities in host countries as well as of initiatives enhancing the ability of refugee communities to become self-reliant, as and when appropriate, with adequate support from the international community for the host country and the refugees living there, Recognizing that promoting the self-reliance of refugees from the outset will contribute towards enhancing their protection and dignity, help refugees manage their time spent in exile effectively and constructively, decrease dependency and enhance the sustainability of any future durable solution, Recognizing the positive contributions, including economic benefits, which refugees who integrate locally or who are allowed to become self-reliant could make to host countries and communities, 179