CM/Res.1370 (LV)
RESOLUTION ON REFUGEES AND DISPLACED PERSONS IN AFRICA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Fifty -fifth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 24 to 28 February 1992,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the Situation of Refugees and Displaced Persons in Africa, as well as the report of the OAU Committee of Fifteen on Refugees,
Deeply concerned that the problems of refugees and displaced persons have persisted in a number of Member States resulting in untold human suffering and placing extra-burden on the countries of asylum, thus causing serious socio-economic and environmental problems to these countries,
Noting with concern that conflict and insecurity, including the existence of land mines and other unexploded munitions, have, respectively, increased refugee flows and other displacements, hampered humanitarian activities and the attainment of durable solutions to refugee problems and threatened the life and safety of refugees, returnees and personnel working on humanitarian programs,
Noting with appreciation the steps taken by a number of Member States to tackle the root causes of the problem of refugees and displaced persons mainly by adhering to the provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,
Noting further with appreciation the humanitarian assistance regularly extended to the countries of asylum by donor countries, governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as the international community as a whole,
Having heard the statement of the High Commissioner for Refugees on the situation of refugees in Africa and the challenges facing UNHCR, the OAU and the international community as a whole, in preventing, managing and finding solutions for refugee situations in Africa:
TAKES NOTE of the reports of the Secretary-General and of the Commission of Fifteen on Refugees on the Situation of Refugees and Displaced Persons
in Africa;
REAFFIRMS all its previous resolutions on the problems of refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons;
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URGES Member States and the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity, in cooperation with other relevant international or regional Organizations, to renew their determination to work individually and Collectively towards the prevention and speedy, peaceful resolution of all Conflicts obtaining on the continent so as to allow the safe delivery of Humanitarian assistance and the return of refugees and internally displaced Persons to their habitual places of residence in conditions of safety and Dignity;
APPEALS ONCE MORE to Member States to work within the framework of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the OAU Con vention Governing Specific Aspects of the Refugee Problem in Africa and other Relevant international conventions towards the creation of an enabling Environment which guarantees respect for human rights, accountability and The observance of the rule of law for the purpose of reversing, or, at least, Reducing the incidence of asylum seeking;
APPEALS TO ALL MEMBER STATES of the Organization of African Unity, that are able to do so, to contribute, through the Organizat ion of African Unity or any other appropriate arrangements, expertise, personnel, Equipment, technical know-how or any other relevant resources towards the Clearance of land mines and other unexploded munitions in areas of potential Return of refugees;
APPEALS to other countries or organizations and the international community as a whole, to make similar contributions or to complement any efforts that may be made by the Member States and the Organization of African Unity towards mine clearance;
COMMENDS the international community, the UNHCR and countries of asylum and of origin for the humanitarian assistance they have continued to render to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and urges them to continue with such assistance; and CALLS UPON Member States in particular and the international community in general, to exert greater effort in dealing with the root causes of the refugee problem in Africa;
CALLS FOR URGENT ATTENTION to the plight of poor, needy and destitute populations who often live among or side by side with refugees, returnees or internally displaced persons CALLS FURTHER for comprehensive programs of humanitarian assistance which would benefit these populations as well, reduce risks of tensions and conflicts, and facilitate delivery of assistance to refugees, returnees or internally displaced persons;
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HOPES that the High Commissioner’s catalytic role in complementing and integrating UNHCR’S short -term relief aid with comprehensive national programs for political, economic and social reintegration and reconstruction for the rest of the national populations shall be supported by donors, and development and leading institutions.