Submitted by: Argentina
Committee: UNHCR
School: Andrews Osborne Academy
Delegates: Emily Braverman and Sarah Ridley
Topic B: Repatriation and Resettlement
Once refugees have escaped the dangerous situation in their home countries, the
issue of finding safe homes for them arises. The process for placing exhales in
permanent homes is slow and many refugees may remain displaced for decades.
While the UNHCR provides well-equipped camps for refugees, the intent is for these
camps to ultimately be vacant. The Cartagena Colloquium adopted the conclusion
"to reiterate the voluntary and individual character of repatriation of refugees and the
need for it to be carried out under conditions of absolute safety, preferably to the
place of residence of the refugee in his country of origin" (Cartagena Declaration on
Refugees, Colloquium on the International Protection of Refugees in Central
America, 1984). Argentina recognizes that refugees need safe homes, and
acknowledges the three methods for placing refugees.
Argentina qualifies voluntary repatriation as the most preferable option for
processing refugees: returning them to the country from which they were exiled
allows them to continue their lives and leaves little work for the UNHCR. However
Argentina does realize that sometimes this is impossible in the case of extensive
damage in the home country or a lack of safety. Resettlement is another option that
poses the challenges of providing housing and employment in addition to instruction
in the language and culture of the new country. Lastly, Argentina views assimilation
into the host country, or local integration, as ideal when refugees have already
started to build their lives there. The challenge with this option is citizenship: if they
are to remain in the host country it would be logical for them to become citizens, but
host governments are often unwilling to make this step.
In order for refugees to be quickly, safely, and effectively placed in homes, the three
methods must be utilized in the most logical way possible. Each must be employed
in accordance with the set of circumstances being faced. The existing solutions
should also be optimized so that as many refugees as possible may find homes
each year. Specifically, the UNCR should ensure that native countries are in safe
and stable conditions. If resettlement is to be optimized, then more countries should
adopt programs to take in refugees and better programs could be put place make
transition easier. The UNHCR should offer aid and incentives to host countries for
offering refugees citizenship. If these solutions are adopted and used to their full
potential, it is Argentina's firm belief that the problem of displacement will be
minimized.
Submitted by: Australia
Committee: Commission of Refugees
Topic B: Repatriation and Resettlement
Delegates: Dominic Sciarretti and Jack Mileski
While Australia’s primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being
of refugees, our ultimate goal is to help find durable solutions that will allow
them to rebuild their lives in dignity and peace. There are three solutions
open to refugees where Australian and UNHCR can help: voluntary
repatriation; local integration; or resettlement to a third country in situations
where it is impossible for a person to go back home or remain in the host
country. But for several million refugees and a greater number of internally
displaced people, these solutions are nowhere in sight. UNHCR has been
highlighting these extended situations in a proposal to get movement
towards solutions. In many cases, the absence of longer-term solutions
aggravates protection problems.
In the case of voluntary repatriation, Australia’s priorities are to promote
enabling conditions, to ensure the exercise of a free and informed choice,
and to mobilize support for refugees to return to their home country. The
UNHCR promotes and facilitates voluntary repatriation through various
means, including organizing "go-and-see" visits for refugees; compiling
updated information on their country and region of origin; engaging in peace
and reconciliation activities; promoting housing and property restitution; and
providing return assistance and legal aid to returnees. In some cases,
refugees are not able to go home or refuse to because of the thought of more
persecution. Australia works within the UNHCR to help resettle refugees in
a third country as the only safe and viable durable solution. Governments
and non-governmental organization partners provide services to facilitate
integration, such as cultural orientation, language and vocational training as
well as programs to promote access to education and employment.
The United States is the world's top resettlement country, while Australia,
Canada and the Nordic countries also provide a sizeable number of places
annually. It is clear that Australia is trying to better the world, and seeking
change by ensuring the safety for all refugees through repatriation and
resettlement.
Submitted by: France
Committee: UNHCR
Topic B: Repatriation and Resettlement
Delegate: Joanne Lutman
As a result of conflict, persecution, and violence, many people have become
refugees and asylum seekers, fleeing their home country in order to obtain safety and
shelter. Since the early 20th century, the UNHCR, better known as the UN Refugee
Agency, has been working to create safe haven for those seeking it, and to ensure that
refugees are able to return to their country and live peacefully. If conditions of the home
country do not become safe in a reasonable amount of time, resettlement plans are an
important and useful tool in allowing people to live amongst their culture in an area that
not only provides for them, but allows them to live peacefully away from harm.
Currently, there are many refugees and asylum seekers from Somali, Syria, Bhutan,
Liberia, and other countries seeking safety and eventual return to their homes. Hundreds
of thousands of people from Somali have found shelter in Kenya and Ethiopia. To
provide a general idea of the situation in Syria, some 150,000 Syrians alone have fled to
Iraq, the rest to neighboring countries such as Lebanon and Jordan, due to the civil war
tearing their country apart. This is not an uncommon position that many other home
countries of thousands of refugees and asylum seekers are facing. France, as a member of
the European Union, has been committed to building a Common European Asylum
System, and has played a central role with respect to asylum and resettlement issues. In
addition to this, EU law, practice, and institutions have all been relevant in the
development of the UNHCR’s mandate, along with holding power in the mandate.
France would like to propose many possible solutions for current situations, and
the future. Establishment of refugee camps in states willing to build them is vital for
many of the current situations around the world. Hosting and resettlement of refugees is
costly, and many strategies must be taken in order to provide for the needs of camps and
their individuals. Asylum seekers, even if they do not end up defined as actual refugees,
should still be provided some sort of protection. These tasks are important, but it is also a
top priority of the UNHCR to find other countries willing to aid in refugee and
resettlement programs, and become host nations. In order for an effective resolution to be
created, the countries most able to provide for the many needs of large numbers of
refugees that have not already aided the UNHCR’s efforts in some way, must align with
nations already involved. It is absolutely essential that states recognize the horror,
brutality, and suffering many countries are enduring, and reach out to those people that
have no other way to escape the crossfires of conflict and the terrors of persecution.
Many states will agree that actions must be taken to protect the innocent of these terrible
situations, but it is key that the best possible solution be created.
Committee: United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees ( UNHCR )
Topic B: Reparation and Resettlement
Country: Egypt
Delegates: Sarah Cook , Yasmine Sadik
While UNHCR's primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of
refugees, our ultimate goal is to help find durable solutions that will allow them to
rebuild their lives in dignity and peace. There are three solutions open to refugees
where UNHCR can help: voluntary repatriation; local integration; or resettlement to
a third country in situations where it is impossible for a person to go back home or
remain in the host country. UNHCR helps achieve one or other of these durable
solutions for refugees around the world every year. But for several million refugees
and a greater number of internally displaced people, these solutions are nowhere in
sight. UNHCR has been highlighting these protracted situations in a bid to get
movement towards solutions. In many cases, the absence of longer-term solutions
aggravates protection problems.
For millions of refugees around the world, going home remains the strongest
hope of finding an end to exile. As the durable solution of choice for the largest
number of refugees, voluntary repatriation in safety and dignity requires the full
commitment of the country of origin to help reintegrate its own people. It also needs
the continuing support of the international community through the crucial postconflict phase to ensure that those who make the brave decision to go home can
rebuild their lives in a stable environment.
UNHCR's priorities when it comes to return are to promote enabling
conditions for voluntary repatriation; to ensure the exercise of a free and informed
choice; and to mobilize support for returnees. In practice, UNHCR promotes and
facilitates voluntary repatriation through various means, including organizing "goand-see" visits for refugees; compiling updated information on their country and
region of origin; engaging in peace and reconciliation activities; promoting housing
and property restitution; and providing return assistance and legal aid to returnees.
Some refugees cannot go home or are unwilling to do so because they will
face continued persecution. Many are also living in perilous situations or have
specific needs that cannot be addressed in the country where they have sought
protection. In such circumstances, UNHCR helps resettle refugees in a third country
as the only safe and viable durable solution. Of the 10.5 million refugees of concern
to UNHCR around the world, only about 1 per cent are submitted by the agency for
resettlement.
Providing for their effective reception and integration is beneficial for both
the resettled refugee and the receiving country. Governments and nongovernmental organization partners provide services to facilitate integration, such
as cultural orientation, language and vocational training as well as programmers to
promote access to education and employment.
The Arab Republic of Egypt is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention
and its 1967 Protocol, as well as the 1969 OAU Convention. As the country has,
however, not yet developed national asylum procedures and institutions, the
functional responsibilities for all aspects of registration, documentation and refugee
status determination (RSD) are carried out by UNHCR under the 1954
Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Egypt.
The best way forward is for UNHCR to ask the Government of Egypt to renegotiate the 1954 Memorandum of Understanding with the stated purpose of
implementing Egypt’s obligations under international law, based on the principle of
shared responsibility. The shared responsibility principle would be embodied by
several pillars. These pillars involve Egypt would re-commit itself to the principle of
non-refoulement and to implementing the rights guaranteed to refugees in
international law, including the right to work. However, Egypt would not be asked
to permanently integrate refugees in most cases.
UNHCR would agree to continue to conduct registration and refugee status
determination (RSD), consistent with principles of due process and the Government
of Egypt will agree to respect UNHCR’s decisions on refugee status. UNHCR would
continue to support social services for refugees, signaling that refugees should not
be a drain on limited Egyptian state resources. However, Egypt would recognize
refugees’ right to work consistent with its obligations under international law.
The main groups of people of concern planned for in 2014 under the Egypt
operation are: Syrian refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria; Sudanese refugees who
escaped fighting between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North and the
Sudanese Armed Forces in Blue Nile State, South Kordofan and Abyei (Sudan) or
generalized violence in Darfur (Sudan); South Sudanese refugees who have been in
Egypt for decades and do not deem the situation in South Sudan conducive to their
repatriation; Somali refugees who fled the security situation in their country;
Eritrean refugees who sought asylum due to human rights abuses or forced
conscription; and Iraqi refugees fleeing generalized violence in Iraq.
In recent years, the financial requirements for UNHCR's operation in Egypt
have increased dramatically, from USD 13.9 million in 2010 to a revised 2013
budget of USD 63 million, following the influx of Syrian refugees since 2012. The
overall budget for Egypt in 2014 is set at USD 65.1 million, with the majority of the
budget devoted to the emergency response for Syrian refugees. These financial
requirements are based on the best estimates for 2014 using the information
available as of mid-2013. In light of the evolving situation in Syria, any additional
requirements will be presented in the Regional Response Plan for Syrian refugees
(RRP6), with the situation undergoing further review in the course of 2014.
The current instability in Egypt is likely to continue to affect the protection
environment for refugees and asylum-seekers. In 2014, UNHCR will mainly focus on
providing protection by conducting registration on an individual basis and refugee
status determination; and will pursue durable solutions where feasible. Protecting
refugees from violence and exploitation, especially sexual and gender-based
violence (SGBV) in collaboration with its legal partners, will remain a priority.
UNHCR will intervene with the Government and concerned authorities to prevent
refoulement, challenge arbitrary detention and ensure due process of law for
refugee victims of crime. UNHCR will also maintain its capacity building
programmer with the Government with a focus on policy discussions.
Although Syrian and Sudanese refugees have access to public health and
education, the quality of public health care and the cost of secondary and tertiary
health care remain a challenge. Moreover, the absorption capacity in government
schools, particularly in urban areas, is stretched given the already overcrowded
classrooms and lack of teachers. In 2014, UNHCR will therefore continue to work
with existing and potential new partners to address the minimum protection and
assistance needs of the increasing refugee population. The Office will support the
Ministries of Health and Education and together with its partners; focus on assisting
the most vulnerable individuals with financial assistance, education and health
support. UNHCR and its partners will further focus on livelihood activities and
microfinance schemes targeting the most vulnerable cases.
Egypt is undergoing immense political change in the wake of the revolution,
providing the opportunity for questions of identity, citizenship and belonging to
reemerge in public debate. While in some ways this tumultuous atmosphere
intensifies the already precarious situation that refugees face as non-nationals, the
policy space created by the dismantling of former institutions may, in time, provide
the opportunity for a reconceptualization of access to citizenship.
In pursuit of the same objective, UNHCR actively seeks to consolidate the
reintegration of returning refugees in their country of origin, thereby averting the
recurrence of refugee producing situations. UNHCR offers protection and assistance
to refugees and others in an impartial manner, on the basis of their need and
irrespective of their race, religion, political opinion or gender. In all of its activities,
UNHCR pays particular attention to the needs of children and seeks to promote the
equal rights of women and girls.
In its efforts to protect refugees and to promote solutions to their problems,
UNHCR works in partnership with governments, international and nongovernmental organizations. UNHCR is committed to the principle of participation
by consulting refugees on decisions that affect their lives. By virtue of its activities
on behalf of refugees and displaced people, UNHCR also promotes. The purposes
and principles of the United Nations Charter; maintaining international peace and
security; developing friendly relations among nations; and encouraging respect for
human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Egypt is a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of
Refugees and the 1969 Organization of African Unity Convention Governing the
Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. In the absence of a national asylum
system, all activities relating to the registration, documentation and determination
of refugee status are carried out by UNHCR in Egypt as per the Memorandum of
Understanding signed with the Government of Egypt in 1954.
Works Cited Page
http://www.cihablog.com/turning-a-blind-eye-lessons-from-egyptianrefugee-policy/
http://www.aucegypt.edu/gapp/cmrs/documents/kaganrefugeepolicyegypt
1109.pdf
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/page?page=49e486356
http://data.unhcr.org/syrianrefugees/country.php?id=8
http://www.un.org.eg/UNInner2.aspx?pageid=79
Committee: United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees ( UNHCR )
Topic B: Repatriation and Resettlement
Country: China
Delegate: Michelle Perez, Adam Morales
UNHCR not only protects and assists refugees, but also seeks solutions to
their plight. The three durable solutions are voluntary repatriation, local
integration, and resettlement. UNHCR helps refugees voluntarily repatriate to
their homeland if conditions warrant, or helps them to integrate in their countries
of asylum. However, there are situations in which resettlement to a third country
is the only safe and viable durable solution for refugees. Of the 11.4 million
refugees in the world, only a small fraction of that number (about one percent) is
referred by UNHCR for resettlement. Resettlement under the auspices of
UNHCR has a dual role. While it serves as a tool to ensure the protection of
refugees, it is also one of the three durable solutions. It also addresses the
special needs of refugees which cannot be met adequately in the country of
asylum. In 2008, UNHCR made submissions of more than 120,800 refugees for
resettlement consideration by States, the highest number of the past 15 years
and 22 per cent above the 2007 level (98,999). By nationality, the main
beneficiaries of UNHCR-facilitated resettlement programs were refugees from
Iraq (33,512), Myanmar (30,388), and Bhutan (23,516). In total, these three
nationalities made up three-quarters of all submissions. In 2008, 65,548 refugees
departed to 26 countries of resettlement. This was an increase of 31 per cent
from 49,868 refugees in 2007. The largest number of refugees resettled with
UNHCR assistance departed from Thailand (16,807) followed by Nepal (8,165),
Syria (7,153), Jordan (6,704) and Malaysia (5,865). These five UNHCR offices
together accounted for 7 out of every 10 resettlement departures assisted by the
organization in 2008.
Ten governments currently accept about 99 per cent of the refugees who
are annually resettled in new countries. These countries include Australia,
Canada, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the
United Kingdom, and the United States. Finding other new states willing to
accept vulnerable refugees and strengthening recently introduced programs are
a UNHCR priority. More recent programs have begun in countries like Chile,
Argentina, Germany, Brazil, Ireland, Iceland and France. The information
addressed in this website mainly references the United States Resettlement
Program. For information on Resettlement Programs in other countries, please
consult the UNHCR office in that country. North Koreans have been crossing the
border into China, many in search of refuge, since the height of North Korea’s
famine in the 1990s. The State Department estimates that 30,000-50,000 North
Korean refugees currently live in China (some non-governmental organizations
estimate the number is closer to 300,000) and believes those who are repatriated
may face punishment ranging from a few months of “labor correction” to
execution. A number of reports also document the difficult conditions faced by
North Koreans who remain in China. The plight of the North Koreans focuses
attention not only on those seeking refuge and their refugee status, but also
points to the factors driving their decision to leave, primarily food shortages,
deteriorating humanitarian conditions, and human rights violations. North Korea
is generally characterized as one of the world’s worst violators of human rights
and religious freedom, an issue that some Members of Congress and interest
groups say should assume greater importance in the formation of U.S. priorities
towards North Korea. Congressional concern about human rights in North Korea
and conditions faced by North Korean refugees led to the passage of the North
Korean Human Rights Act (NKHRA) in 2004.
Works cited:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations
http://www.nmun.org/
Grace Therber and Maggie Pizzo
UNHCR: Topic B Repatriation and Resettlement
Turkey
Lakewood High School
Position Paper of: Turkey
After conflict has been resolved in a refugee’s country of origin, it is the
responsibility of the host country to expedite repatriation and resettlement of the
refugee in his country of origin, as described below.
With regards to repatriation: Refugees must be repatriated within nine months of
the resolution of the conflict in the country of origin. When repatriated, refugees must
be sent to regions of the country of origin not severely afflicted by the conflict. If a
substantial number of refugees are concentrated in one area of the host nation, the
government of the host nation is required to fund the repatriation of refugees in their
country or countries of origin. Refugees who do not wish to be repatriated may become
citizens of host country through regular process of citizenship. Refugees must become
citizens within nine months of the resolution of the conflict in their country of origin. If
refugees do not gain citizenship within this time period, or do not meet citizenship
requirements, they must be repatriated with all other refugees. If refugees gain
citizenship to host country after repatriation, they may reenter host country as citizens.
With regards to resettlement: Organizations must be set up by the host country
in the country of origin of refugees to facilitate resettlement. The process of
resettlement requires that refugees gain shelter, education for children, and a means of
support (job, etc.). If possible, refugees should be reunited with family members in
country of origin. If resettlement is impossible (shelter, education, and means of
support cannot be obtained), host country must continue to provide for refugee until
resettlement is achieved.
Submitted by: United States of America
School: Vermilion High
School
Committee: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Delegates: Dana Smith
and
Topic B: Repatriation and Resettlement
Bridget Gross
As the world continues to stay in turmoil, the idea of becoming a refugee becomes more
and more a reality. Being a first world country, the United States hopes to help mediate
the situation through voluntary repatriation. This involves temporarily housing refugees
until they can be resettled back into their homes. However, this is not always possible.
Within the United States, there are three requirements to be a refugee; one, they must fear
persecution within their home country. Two, they must fear persecution on the grounds of
one of the following: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group. Third,
they must establish if the government is involved within the persecution or if the
government is unable to control the conduct of persecution. These refugees come to the
United States with the hope of eventual resettlement back into their own home nations.
The United States recognizes that this is not always possible, and does allow refugees the
option to become permanent citizens. As of now, the United States is one of twenty-six
countries currently taking in resettled refugees.
Refugees must first register with the UNHCR before entering the United States. It is then
up to the UNHCR to decide whether to follow local integration, resettlement to a home
country, or third country resettlement. The United States is part of a third country option.
Entering 2014, the United States looks to increase the rate of refugees accepted, as the
number has been decreasing since 1980. In the World War II era, the United States
started accepting refugees world wide; since this era the United States has continued to
accept refugees. Currently refugees are placed within detention homes, which Congress is
looking to change soon. The United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants look
to improve the rate of local integration of refugees in the United States. Long-term
refugees can apply for U.S. citizenship, which would work well if local integration has
already taken place. Laws pertaining to refugee, repatriation and resettlement programs
come from the Refugee Act, and are usually backed by specific racial groups within the
United States. Recently, the United States and Canada entered a shared boarder
legislation to offer a shared boarder for refugees.
While the United States is proud of the work we have done, we are hoping to take even
more strides. Currently, the United States is only one of twenty-six countries intaking
refugees; while there is an understanding that not all countries can intake refugees there is
hope for that number to increase. Countries must look at the issue of how many refugees
are being relocated, and look at the solution of local integration. While the most ideal
situation would be to relocate refugees back to their home country, war and persecution
means that is not always an option. However, locally integrating refugees provides a
simple solution. Locally integrating the refugees from day one, as the United States looks
to do by taking refugees out of detention camps, gives them a more humane feeling.
Works Cited
"Frequently Asked Questions About Refugees and Resettlement." Rescue and Refugee
Support.
N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2014.
"Home | Office of Refugee Resettlement | Administration for Children and Families."
Home |
Office of Refugee Resettlement | Administration for Children and
Families. N.p., n.d.
Web. 17 Feb. 2014.
"Refugee Council USA - History of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program." Refugee
Council
USA - History of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program. N.p., n.d. Web.
17 Feb. 2014.
"Refugee Admissions." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, n.d.
Web. 17
Feb. 2014.
"UNHCR - UNHCR Monitoring Report: Canada - United States "Safe Third Country"
Agreement, 29 December 2004-28 December 2005." UNHCR News. N.p., n.d.
Web. 17
Feb. 2014.
UNHCR
Rwanda
Naomi Grant and Kyra Reu
Beachwood High School
Resettlement and Repatriation
Rwanda saw a sharp increase in the number of people seeking refuge within its borders when
humanitarian crises began to escalate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 1990s.[1] Only 26
countries have programs to resettle refugees, 90% of which are in either the United States, Canada or
Australia. Combined, they offer merely 80,000 spots, which is hardly a fraction of the 14 million refugees
worldwide. In 2013, 90,000 refugees lived in Rwanda, 15,000 of which had come between January and
June, and all of which lived at one of four refugee camps or a transit center. In addition to hosting
thousands of refugees, Rwanda is also dealing with the return of multitudes of its own people who were
formerly refugees. Between 2010 and 2012, nearly 30,000 people returned home to Rwanda and an
additional 20,000 are projected to arrive this year due to continual improvements in both the government
and standard of living.
Four refugee camps already exist in Rwanda, and the government has plans to build a fifth in
Mugombwa.[2] However, much of the effort put into helping the refugees has come from Rwanda’s
government, and not from the United Nations; Rwandans do not feel that the UN High Commissioner for
Refugees has done enough, and in some cases, has made their situation worse. Joseph Twahira, who claims
to have migrated from Rwanda in 2002 due to a prison sentence without a trial, believes that the UNHCR
not only supports programs forcing Rwandan refugees to return to their native country, but also has denied
the refugees food at times in order to force them out.[3] Forcing refugees to leave directly contradicts the
UN’s policy of non-refoulement. Repatriation must be voluntary, or else people forced back to their
country of origin will flee once again. Furthermore, the 1951 Refugee Convention solidified the policy of
non-refoulement, which previously was a mere custom, but the UNHCR still has ways to go in terms of
improving refugees’ quality of life.
Because Rwanda is coping with an inordinate amount of refugees, the main goals of the camps are
currently response and protection against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), as well as child
protection, especially for orphans.[4] The government’s goal is also to provide assistance in education,
shelter, sanitation, reintegration and especially an increase in water supply per capita, from nine to fifteen
liters per day, and to gradually integrate more refugee services overall. The UNHCR is currently
partnering with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the
UN World Food Programme in addition to Rwandan governmental organizations such as the Ministry of
Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs in order to implement new programs. Many non-government
organizations are also in place for this purpose including Africa Humanitarian Action and the Adventist
Development and Relief Agency.[5] Additionally, UNHCR has plans to strengthen their relationship with
district authorities. In efforts to help refugees rebuild their lives and integrate into society, whether it be in a
host country or country of origin, the committee should facilitate refugees working in conjunction with one
another. Refugees should be employed building permanent homes in order to start moving families out of
camps. Any refugees who have had particular success with the integration into their host countries should
be encouraged to be employed as support systems wherever there is a need, such as tutoring children, and
assisting adults with tasks such as job hunting and finding health care for their family. Because Rwanda’s
goal is to integrate more than 2,800 refugee children into schools within the next two years,[6] more
successful and educated refugees can tutor children in preparation for school. Social services, such as
Family Planning and AIDS awareness programs should also be implemented in the camps, which will in
turn increase the standards of living.[7]
[1] "Rwanda." UNHCR News. United Nations <http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49e45c576.html>.
[2] "United Nations Audiovisual Library of International Law." United Nations Audiovisual Library of International Law.
<http://legal.un.org/avl/ha/prsr/prsr.html>.
[3] "UNHCR ACCUSED OF ABANDONING RWANDAN REFUGEES - La Tribune franco-rwandaise." OverBlog. Tribune
franco-rwandaise, 20 Jan. 2012. <http://www.france-rwanda.info/article-unhcr-accused-of-abandoning-rwandan-refugees97499862.html>.
[4] African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, Nairobi, 27 June 1981, United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1520, p.
217.
[5] Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, Addis Ababa, 10 September 1969, United
Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1001, p. 45.
[6] "Education." UNHCR News. United Nations, <http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646cda.
[7] Linder, Julie. "Repatriation, Reintegration, and Resettlement of refugees." Model United Nations of the Far West. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2014. <http://www.munfw.org/archive/48th/3rd2.htm>.
Submitted by:The Republic of Kenya School: Rocky River H.S.
Committee: UNHCR
Delegates: Lizzie Cahill and Angelica Buczkowski
Topic B: Repatriation and Resettlement
In, Kenya alone, hundreds upon thousands of refugees reside. The Republic of Kenya
feels that its top priorities are to preserve access to asylum, preserve protection for
refugees, provide places to live, water, sanitation, and hygiene to refugees, and support
solutions for those choosing to voluntarily repatriate or resettle in a third country.
The Republic of Kenya feels that The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) along with the host nations must make an effort towards resettlement and
repatriation. In the terms of resettlement, The Republic of Kenya believes that
resettlement is a an important, viable, and durable solution for the refugees and is a
solution we are strongly in favor of. With the help of the UNCHR The Republic of Kenya
feels that it is possible to push past any troubles and problems that are involved with the
process of resettlement. One main challenge of resettlement is the long resettlement
processing periods that average processing time between selection and departure refugees
to about 458 days. The Republic of Kenya hopes to reduce this time due to the
importance of resettlement of refugees and making their resettlement as easy and
comfortable as possible.
Repatriation is also another durable solution for refugees that is supported by The
Republic of Kenya. The Republic of Kenya believes that both resettlement and
repatriation should be voluntary. The Republic of Kenya feels that if refugees voluntarily
choose to repatriate, we, along with the aid of non-governmental and community-based
institutions at the national and local levels, can aid and abide to ensure repartition is safe
and comfortable for the refugees.
According to UNHCR Kenya, in order to achieve our goals of voluntary resettlement and
repatriation we must do things like “adopting community-based approaches to
maintaining law and order; promoting peaceful inter-communal relations; consolidating
the Government's reception, registration, documentation, RSD and camp management
capabilities; further strengthening community-based protection and management of basic
services; implementing the joint global education strategy (UNHCR, UNICEF and the
Government), which is adapted to the local context and contributes to child protection
and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) responses and prevention; and enhancing
durable solutions and livelihood opportunities upon return home.”
Committee: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Topic: Repatriation and Resettlement
Country: Mauritania
Representative: Samantha Hudson
Since 2007, Bhutanese refugees in Nepal have been resettling to third countries at a rate
of 20,000 people per year. The relocation of these refugees is good; however it is an
extremely slow process that still leaves some refugees without homes after over 20 years
being internally displaced. The three methods of settlement for refugees are repatriation,
resettlement, and local integration. No one method can be deemed more efficient than
another, as their effectiveness depends on each individual circumstance. So, these three
methods work in conjunction with one another. Repatriation generally depends on the
state of the refugees home countries, and therefore cannot be a controlled variable.
Resettlement and local integration, however, can be made more accessible through
incentives that will encourage more countries to open up space for refugees and grant
them citizenship. Mauritania believes that by increasing incentives for participation,
more refugees could find stable homes each year.
Over the past decade, Mauritania has seen its own citizens become refugees, and has
played host to Malian refugees as a result of the conflict in their country. While hosting
these refugees, Mauritania has come to realize the need for efficient resettlement,
repatriation, and local integration. The prolonged stay of a refugee does not benefit the
host country or the refugee. When internally displaced persons do not have the means to
find a stable home, it is hard for them, and their families, to achieve a tolerable standard
of living. Whether they lack access to food, water, shelter, or education, remaining a
refugee is not an effective way for internally displaced persons to rise above their current
conditions and obtain an adequate means of life. In addition, it can be difficult for the
government to balance the importance of taking care of their own citizens with the
importance of caring for the refugees without creating tension between the two groups.
For these reasons Mauritania understands that the need to provide incentives for other
countries to assimilate refugees into other nations is great.
Mauritania has experienced firsthand the effects of refugees returning through
repatriation, exiting through resettlement, and even some joining into the political process
through local integration. The strains that processing refugees, places on the refugees
should be eased as much as possible through the exiting processes mentioned previously.
Mauritania’s experience with the 2008 military coup and its after affects contribute to
Mauritania’s knowledge and stance on the issues of repatriation and resettlement, with
the regards to the importance of the well-being of the internally displaced persons.
Mauritania supports the UNHCR when it stated, “If other countries do not let them in,
and do not help them once they are in, then they may be condemning them to death—or
to an intolerable life in shadows, without sustenance and with rights” (UNHCR).
As a country that is currently influenced by refugees, Mauritania suggests that incentives
be introduced that would increase country participation for both the resettlement and
local integration programs. Mauritania agrees with the notion and goal to increase the
number of refugees that are resettled and locally integrated by providing countries with
incentives for welcoming refugees and offering them citizenship.
Works Cited
UNHCR. United Nations, n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646c125.html>.
Model UN Position Paper
Committee: UNHCR
Country: South Africa
Reps: Effie Henry and Holly Krampitz
Topic B: Reparation and Resettlement
All countries present in the United Nations can agree that reparation and resettlement is
an important aspect of helping refugees return to a stable lifestyle. While some refugees
go to the closest area to find shelter and rebuild their lives, this is not easy and often done
illegally. This can cause even more problems that South Africa does not support.
Although South Africa is middle-income country, we face challenges with
unemployment, poverty, and inequality. When refugees from other bordering nations
settle in our country, they take our citizens jobs and homes. This leaves South Africa
between a rock and a hard place.
In order to get ourselves out of this tough situation, South Africa would like to suggest
providing the refugees--in our nation and every other nation--with an easier way to gain
citizenship to other countries. We must make the process easier so that refugees can
become registered citizens of the country they decide to reside in and so that human
trafficking decreases.
South Africa would also like to suggest that the refugees are provided shelter, food, and
health facilities upon arrival to their new country of residence. This will make the process
of resettlement much less stressful for refugees who have already lost so much. It will
help them to get back on their feet, hopefully beginning a domino-effect of them getting a
job, buying a home, and settling down permanently as a citizen of a new country.
South Africa is willing to make their process of becoming a citizen easier and agrees to
provide legal refugees with health facilities, shelter, and food upon arrival. however,
South Africa can not do it alone. Other abundant nations in which refugees are present,
such as America and Areas of Europe, must also do their part in solving this problem.
Refugees are present in other nations as well and we believe that if everyone followed
these simple tasks, the amount of illegal human trafficking in the world would decrease.
The rate at which refugees revived themselves would be quicker. Although it may be a
slow process, the world would see a definite change for the better if South Africa’s plan
of reparation and resettlement was installed in countries of the Unite Nations.
Committee: United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees ( UNHCR )
Topic B: Reparation and Resettlement
Country: Egypt
Delegates: Sarah Cook , Yasmine Sadik
While UNHCR's primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of
refugees, our ultimate goal is to help find durable solutions that will allow them to
rebuild their lives in dignity and peace. There are three solutions open to refugees
where UNHCR can help: voluntary repatriation; local integration; or resettlement to
a third country in situations where it is impossible for a person to go back home or
remain in the host country. UNHCR helps achieve one or other of these durable
solutions for refugees around the world every year. But for several million refugees
and a greater number of internally displaced people, these solutions are nowhere in
sight. UNHCR has been highlighting these protracted situations in a bid to get
movement towards solutions. In many cases, the absence of longer-term solutions
aggravates protection problems.
For millions of refugees around the world, going home remains the strongest
hope of finding an end to exile. As the durable solution of choice for the largest
number of refugees, voluntary repatriation in safety and dignity requires the full
commitment of the country of origin to help reintegrate its own people. It also needs
the continuing support of the international community through the crucial postconflict phase to ensure that those who make the brave decision to go home can
rebuild their lives in a stable environment.
UNHCR's priorities when it comes to return are to promote enabling
conditions for voluntary repatriation; to ensure the exercise of a free and informed
choice; and to mobilize support for returnees. In practice, UNHCR promotes and
facilitates voluntary repatriation through various means, including organizing "goand-see" visits for refugees; compiling updated information on their country and
region of origin; engaging in peace and reconciliation activities; promoting housing
and property restitution; and providing return assistance and legal aid to returnees.
Some refugees cannot go home or are unwilling to do so because they will
face continued persecution. Many are also living in perilous situations or have
specific needs that cannot be addressed in the country where they have sought
protection. In such circumstances, UNHCR helps resettle refugees in a third country
as the only safe and viable durable solution. Of the 10.5 million refugees of concern
to UNHCR around the world, only about 1 per cent are submitted by the agency for
resettlement.
Providing for their effective reception and integration is beneficial for both
the resettled refugee and the receiving country. Governments and nongovernmental organization partners provide services to facilitate integration, such
as cultural orientation, language and vocational training as well as programmers to
promote access to education and employment.
The Arab Republic of Egypt is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention
and its 1967 Protocol, as well as the 1969 OAU Convention. As the country has,
however, not yet developed national asylum procedures and institutions, the
functional responsibilities for all aspects of registration, documentation and refugee
status determination (RSD) are carried out by UNHCR under the 1954
Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Egypt.
The best way forward is for UNHCR to ask the Government of Egypt to renegotiate the 1954 Memorandum of Understanding with the stated purpose of
implementing Egypt’s obligations under international law, based on the principle of
shared responsibility. The shared responsibility principle would be embodied by
several pillars. These pillars involve Egypt would re-commit itself to the principle of
non-refoulement and to implementing the rights guaranteed to refugees in
international law, including the right to work. However, Egypt would not be asked
to permanently integrate refugees in most cases.
UNHCR would agree to continue to conduct registration and refugee status
determination (RSD), consistent with principles of due process and the Government
of Egypt will agree to respect UNHCR’s decisions on refugee status. UNHCR would
continue to support social services for refugees, signaling that refugees should not
be a drain on limited Egyptian state resources. However, Egypt would recognize
refugees’ right to work consistent with its obligations under international law.
The main groups of people of concern planned for in 2014 under the Egypt
operation are: Syrian refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria; Sudanese refugees who
escaped fighting between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North and the
Sudanese Armed Forces in Blue Nile State, South Kordofan and Abyei (Sudan) or
generalized violence in Darfur (Sudan); South Sudanese refugees who have been in
Egypt for decades and do not deem the situation in South Sudan conducive to their
repatriation; Somali refugees who fled the security situation in their country;
Eritrean refugees who sought asylum due to human rights abuses or forced
conscription; and Iraqi refugees fleeing generalized violence in Iraq.
In recent years, the financial requirements for UNHCR's operation in Egypt
have increased dramatically, from USD 13.9 million in 2010 to a revised 2013
budget of USD 63 million, following the influx of Syrian refugees since 2012. The
overall budget for Egypt in 2014 is set at USD 65.1 million, with the majority of the
budget devoted to the emergency response for Syrian refugees. These financial
requirements are based on the best estimates for 2014 using the information
available as of mid-2013. In light of the evolving situation in Syria, any additional
requirements will be presented in the Regional Response Plan for Syrian refugees
(RRP6), with the situation undergoing further review in the course of 2014.
The current instability in Egypt is likely to continue to affect the protection
environment for refugees and asylum-seekers. In 2014, UNHCR will mainly focus on
providing protection by conducting registration on an individual basis and refugee
status determination; and will pursue durable solutions where feasible. Protecting
refugees from violence and exploitation, especially sexual and gender-based
violence (SGBV) in collaboration with its legal partners, will remain a priority.
UNHCR will intervene with the Government and concerned authorities to prevent
refoulement, challenge arbitrary detention and ensure due process of law for
refugee victims of crime. UNHCR will also maintain its capacity building
programmer with the Government with a focus on policy discussions.
Although Syrian and Sudanese refugees have access to public health and
education, the quality of public health care and the cost of secondary and tertiary
health care remain a challenge. Moreover, the absorption capacity in government
schools, particularly in urban areas, is stretched given the already overcrowded
classrooms and lack of teachers. In 2014, UNHCR will therefore continue to work
with existing and potential new partners to address the minimum protection and
assistance needs of the increasing refugee population. The Office will support the
Ministries of Health and Education and together with its partners; focus on assisting
the most vulnerable individuals with financial assistance, education and health
support. UNHCR and its partners will further focus on livelihood activities and
microfinance schemes targeting the most vulnerable cases.
Egypt is undergoing immense political change in the wake of the revolution,
providing the opportunity for questions of identity, citizenship and belonging to
reemerge in public debate. While in some ways this tumultuous atmosphere
intensifies the already precarious situation that refugees face as non-nationals, the
policy space created by the dismantling of former institutions may, in time, provide
the opportunity for a reconceptualization of access to citizenship.
In pursuit of the same objective, UNHCR actively seeks to consolidate the
reintegration of returning refugees in their country of origin, thereby averting the
recurrence of refugee producing situations. UNHCR offers protection and assistance
to refugees and others in an impartial manner, on the basis of their need and
irrespective of their race, religion, political opinion or gender. In all of its activities,
UNHCR pays particular attention to the needs of children and seeks to promote the
equal rights of women and girls.
In its efforts to protect refugees and to promote solutions to their problems,
UNHCR works in partnership with governments, international and nongovernmental organizations. UNHCR is committed to the principle of participation
by consulting refugees on decisions that affect their lives. By virtue of its activities
on behalf of refugees and displaced people, UNHCR also promotes. The purposes
and principles of the United Nations Charter; maintaining international peace and
security; developing friendly relations among nations; and encouraging respect for
human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Egypt is a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of
Refugees and the 1969 Organization of African Unity Convention Governing the
Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. In the absence of a national asylum
system, all activities relating to the registration, documentation and determination
of refugee status are carried out by UNHCR in Egypt as per the Memorandum of
Understanding signed with the Government of Egypt in 1954.
Works Cited Page
http://www.cihablog.com/turning-a-blind-eye-lessons-from-egyptianrefugee-policy/
http://www.aucegypt.edu/gapp/cmrs/documents/kaganrefugeepolicyegypt
1109.pdf
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/page?page=49e486356
http://data.unhcr.org/syrianrefugees/country.php?id=8
http://www.un.org.eg/UNInner2.aspx?pageid=79
Morocco
Cleveland Heights High School
With a rapidly growing international population, now exceeding 7 billion
people, countries around the world have faced a growth in migrants and refugees.
Morocco is one of those countries. With the unrest in its neighboring nations and
countries in sub- Saharan Africa and the Middle East, Morocco's population of concern
(refugees and asylum seekers) is over 4,500. The issue of resettlement and repatriation
has concerned the Moroccan government and people for many years. Morocco, being
located in North East Africa, is a transit for refugees and asylum seekers going to
Europe, namely Spain. Morocco has experienced a tripling in its number of refugees
mostly from côte d'Ioire, Syria and Saharawi refugees. Although local integration is
generally not possible in North Africa due to the tension in surrounding nations,
resettlement remains the most durable solution.
In 2007 Morocco and the UN Refugee Agency signed an agreement to
strengthen cooperation. High Commissioner António Guterres and the Government of
Morocco, represented by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Omar
Hilale, signed the accord de siège at UNHCR's headquarters in Geneva. "We are
strengthening a significant and long-running partnership. Today especially, given the
number of people moving in mixed migration flows along the continent's Atlantic and
Mediterranean shores, this agreement is important to ensure we are able to help people
in need of protection," said Guterres. This marks a long standing relationship between
the UN and Morocco. In 2000 repatriation bean for the Saharawi Refugees in
Morocco, and has had a positive outcome. Morocco hopes to continue it's repatriation
programs and hopefully use voluntary repatriation and resettlement in the future to
ensure refugees the most comfortable transition into their new lives. Recently the
Moroccan government has set up an asylum to recognize refugees as well as plans to
regularize a limited number of undocumented migrants. Anke Strauss, chief of mission
for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Rabat, welcomed the
government’s shift “from being completely security-focused to a more human rightsbased… approach.” Strauss noted that Morocco is dealing with refugees in a way that
other countries will hopefully adopt. Morocco hopes that other countries will follow in
its footsteps when dealing with migration, refugees and asylum seekers.
The two options available when processing refugees are repatriation and
resettlement. In Morocco, there is a new stance on the issue of voluntary repatriation or
resettlement and how the government enables refugees to successfully return home or
find a safer place to move. It all stems from the local networks of NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) that work with the UNHCR to assist the asylum-seekers and
refugees through this long, strenuous process. At the local level, organizations are able to
establish meaningful, trusting relationships with displaced persons. At this point, the
UNHCR can assist the refugees in obtaining legal refugee status through Rabat, the
capital city of Morocco. After the status is obtained, refugees can begin a new
(temporary) part of their lives in a host country, saving money for a possible future return
home. It is with this mental attitude and spirit that refugees and asylum seekers can build
up the strength and dignity for a positive future. These steps will create a durable solution
rather than a temporary one for the refugees all over the Middle East and Northern
Africa. If return home is still unsafe, a resettlement procedure will commence in a
country of their choice that is best for themselves and/or their family. The UNHCR will
merely have to assist the refugee apply for citizenship in another state; the formerly
displaced person will have accumulated the money and recourses to do the rest.
Without full cooperation of NGOs and the UNHCR and the willingness to grant
displaced persons their status, however, this program could not work. Hence, an
appropriate method of ensuring local and international cooperation would be to hold a
forum in which representatives in each group could come to a consensus and establish
rules and policies. Since recently (in the wake of the Syrian civil war), Morocco has
implanted new policies that will further enable refugees to become recognized by the
UNHCR and win the rights they so desperately deserve.
Name: Regan McNamara
Committee: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Topic: Use of Peacekeeping Forces
Country: Russia
The rebellion against President Bashar Al-Assad was initially a peaceful movement
but evolved into violent hysteria and wild killings. More than 150,000 people have
died from the tumult. This has resulted in an increase of refugee people that have
fled Syria to neighboring countries, particularly Iraq.
Russia recognizes that violence in Syria is a serious issue that cannot be dealt with
lightly. The Russian Federation is in favor of the State Migration Policy Concept until
2025 in Syria. Consequently, an extensive succession of legislative acts will have to
be passed in order to make this a reality. Russia seeks to strengthen their Syrian
alliance and guarantees an effective patrol of the borders using only the most
competent officers. As of now, Russia denies all accusations that they are affiliated
with a particular side in the civil war. However, it has been documented that Russia
has sold weapons to President Bashar al-Assad to aid him in his war. Russia sees
little opportunity to mollify circumstances in Syria.
According to the Russian Federation Prime Minister, Sergey Lavrov, Russia is
exploring the possibility of a proposal for a peacekeeping mission in Syria. However,
Russia is hesitant after the kidnappings and killings of Japanese peacekeepers by
Syrian rebels. Lavrov made the point that a cease-fire would have to be enacted in
order for peacekeepers to be even remotely effective. The League of Arab States
resolved to send peacekeeping forces to Syria, but Russia thinks that they did not
thoroughly think this through.