Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. International Conference on Central American Refugees (CIREFCA): Report of the Secretary-General

Forty-fourth session
AGENDA ITEM 110 (b)

I.          INTRODUCTION

1.     Over the past decade, the political and the economic crises affecting the countries of Central America have led to mass movements of the population, both within the region and to neighbouring countries. Political and military conflicts coupled with serious economic difficulties have given rise to a process by which several hundreds of thousands have abandoned their homes to seek security, safety and better economic prospects in faraway places. This trend, and its impact on the communities of the host countries and regions, is of increasing concern to the Governments of the region and the international community.

2.     In addition to efforts by the host Governments and international and local humanitarian organizations, several initiatives have been undertaken to examine closely the causes of mass movements and to formulate solutions to the plight of the affected groups, mostly displaced persons and refugees. A growing number of people, profiting from the intermittent ebb in conflicts and violence and aided by the glimmer of peaceful solutions to the problems of the region, returned to their countries.

3.     On 7 August 1987, the five Central American Presidents signed the agreement entitled "Procedures for the establishment of a firm and lasting peace in Central America" (A/42/521-S/19085). Also known as Esquipulas II, the agreement marked a turning point in the quest for a basis to address the problems of the region including those of refugees, returnees and displaced persons. In section 8 of the Agreement, it was stated that:

"The Central American Governments undertake to attend, as a matter of urgency, to the flows of refugees and displaced persons caused by the crisis in the region, providing them with protection and assistance, particularly in the areas of health, education, work and safety, and to facilitate their repatriation, resettlement or relocation provided that this is voluntary and carried out on an individual basis.

They also undertake to seek assistance from the international community for Central American refugees and displaced persons, to be provided either directly, through bilateral or multilateral agreements, or indirectly, through the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other organizations and agencies."

4.     In the wake of the signing of the Esquipulas II Agreement, the General Assembly, in resolution 42/1 of 7 October 1987 concerning the Agreement, 42/110 of 7 December 1987 entitled "Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons of Central America" and 42/231 of 12 May 1988 entitled "Special plan of economic co-operation in Central America", proposed various arrangements and measures aimed at drawing the attention of the international community to the economic and social conditions of the region and alleviating the situation. At the same time, in a meeting held at San Salvador on 8 and 9 September 1988, the Governments of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua decided to convene an international conference on Central American refugees at Guatemala City in May 1989. Those Governments established the Preparatory Committee of the Conference, in which the Government of Belize also participated.

5.     At its forty-third session, the General Assembly, after having noted the various steps being taken in the region to promote solutions to the problem of refugees, returnees and displaced persons, adopted on 8 December 1988 resolution 43/118, which read in part as follows:

"The General Assembly,

"Gravely concerned about the present situation in the Central American region, the flows of refugees to neighbouring countries and countries outside, the region, and the impact of those flows of refugees on the social and economic development of the area,

"Conscious of the need to address the problem of Central American refugees who have found asylum in some Central American countries, including Belize and Mexico, and desirous of contributing to the search for lasting solutions of benefit to the countries and communities of asylum and origin,

"Taking into account that, as stated in point 8 of the agreement concluded at the Esquipulas II summit meeting, the Central American countries have undertaken, as a matter of urgency, to address the problem of refugees, including their repatriation and relocation through bilateral and multilateral processes,

"Emphasizing that the general objective of the Conference is to examine the needs of Central American refugees and concrete proposals for practical solutions to their problems, as a contribution to peace in the region,

"Recognizing that the task of seeking solutions goes further than emergency activities and is linked with aspects concerning the development of the region and assistance for the displaced populations in the countries of origin and of asylum that are directly affected by the massive presence of refugees,

"Emphasizing that, among the possible solutions' voluntary repatriation is the most appropriate solution for solving the problems created by the massive presence of refugees in the countries and communities of asylum,

"1.   Welcome the decision adopted by the countries members of the Preparatory Committee for the International Conference on Central American Refugees to convene the Conference at Guatemala City in May 1989;

"2.   Supports the undertaking made by the countries represented in the Preparatory Committee to continue to deal with the problems relating to the refugees and their voluntary repatriation, as well as with the preparatory work for the Conference and the Conference itself, on a purely humanitarian and apolitical basis;

"3.   Welcomes the decisions in support of the Conference adopted by the General Assembly of the Organization of American States at its eighteenth session and by the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees at its thirty-ninth session;

"4.   Urges that, in the context of the Conference, consideration should be given to the problem of displaced persons and to the effects of the massive presence of refugees in countries of asylum, as well as to those solutions which the affected countries deem applicable;

"5.   Exhorts all Member States, organs, specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system, as well as the regional and subregional, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations engaged in the humanitarian task of helping Central American refugees, to participate in the Conference and to provide all the resources, co-operation and support necessary for preparing and holding it, and for following up the results;

"6.   Appeals to the international community to increase its assistance to the countries of asylum and of origin of Central American refugees in order to strengthen their capacity to provide the means and services necessary for the solution of the problem of refugees, returnees and displaced persons, in accordance with national development programmes;

"7.   Request the Secretary-General to invite all States to participate in the Conference and to adopt the means necessary for ensuring its success;

"8.   Invites the Secretary-General to establish the necessary co-ordination between the Conference and the implementation of the section of the Special Plan of Economic Co-operation for Central America relating to refugees, displaced persons and repatriated persons;

"...

"10. Request the Secretary-General, in co-operation with the High Commissioner, to report to the Economic and Social Council at its second regular session of 1989 and to the General Assembly at its forty-fourth session on the implementation of the present resolution."

II.         PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONFERENCE

6.     Preparations for the Conference commenced shortly after the adoption of General Assembly resolution 43/118, in which the Assembly requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to organize the Conference, in close co-operation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with the organs, specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system, in co-ordination with the Preparatory Committee, bearing in mind the third point of the San Salvador communiqué on the Central American refugees.

7.     Two main organs were established to prepare and organize the Conference:

(i)    the Preparatory Committee, composed of representatives of countries signatories to the San Salvador communiqué and Belize, which would formulate guidelines for the. preparation and organization of the Conference; and

(ii)   the Organizing Committee, comprising representatives of the Secretariat, UNHCR and UNDP, which would be responsible for ensuring the execution of measures relating to the organization of the Conference and coordinating the roles and efforts of United Nations bodies and other international organizations in order to meet the goals of the Conference. Both the Preparatory Committee and the Organizing Committee received the support of a Conference secretariat established and operating within the UNHCR Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean at UNHCR headquarters in Geneva.

8.     The preparatory work of the Conference was carried out in three main areas:

(a) preparation of project and programme documents,

(b) preparation of a Concerted Plan of Action, and

(c) promotion and mobilization of support for the Conference.

9.     The preparation of project and programme documents was aimed at addressing the problems of the affected countries as well as the strategies and policies adopted to seek comprehensive solutions. These proposals, contained in conference documents CIREFCA/89/2 through 8, were prepared by the Governments concerned with the co-operation and assistance of UNHCR and UNDP. The proposals also provide project outlines and profiles designed to address the needs identified. On this basis, a total of 32 projects, amounting to approximately $US 380 million, were presented at the Conference. This amount includes $115 million provided by the Italian Government.

10.  The preparation of the Concerted Plan of Action was based on the technical investigation and on the country programme proposals, setting out criteria and procedures for following up the conference proposals, including co-ordination measures to elaborate further projects and solutions for refugees, returnees and displaced persons in the region.

11.  As part of the general effort of promotion and mobilizing support for the Conference, a number of meetings took place with interested groups of countries in New York and Geneva, as well as with representatives of the United Nations system, intergovernmental bodies and non-governmental organizations. In addition, members of the Organizing Committee and the Secretariat visited the capitals of various traditional and potential donor countries and organizations in Europe and North America.

12.  The promotion effort in support of the Conference was accompanied by an active public information programme both within the Central American region and in the international community as a whole. Teams of journalists visited the countries concerned to collect and disseminate information on the situation of the affected groups and on the purposes of the Conference. In addition to printed materials, including press kits, effective use was made of visual aids, posters, films and exhibits prepared and distributed to the national and international media sources. Feature articles and radio programmes were also produced and placed in the media.

13.  Another important activity in the mobilization of attention and support for the Conference took place in the context of co-operation with non-governmental organizations. Consultations were held to determine the effective participation of national and international non-governmental organizations.

III.        PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONFERENCE

A.         Participation

14.  In accordance with paragraph 7 of General Assembly resolution 43/118, the Secretary-General invited all States to participate in the Conference. Relevant organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations system as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations were also invited to participate in the Conference as observers.

15.  The Conference met at Guatemala City, from 29 to 31 May 1989.

16.  The following 52 States, and the Holy See, participated in the Conference:

In addition, the following States attended the Conference as observers:

German Democratic Republic

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

17.  The following 15 organizations and programmes of the United Nations system attended the Conference as observers:

United Nations Children's Fund

United Nations Development Programme

United Nations Development Fund for Women

United Nations Population Fund

Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

United Nations Centre for Human Settlements

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

World Food Programme

International Labour Organization

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

World Health Organization

World Bank

International Fund for Agricultural Development

United Nations Industrial Development Organization

18.  In addition, six other intergovernmental organizations attended the Conference:

European Community

Inter-American Development Bank

Intergovernmental Committee for Migration

Latin American Economic System

Organization of American States

Department of Central American Economic Integration

19.  Furthermore, 63 non-governmental organizations attended the Conference as observers.

B.        Election of officers

20.  Mr. Mario Palencia Lainfiesta, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, was elected by acclamation as President of the Conference.

21.  On the proposal of the newly-elected President, the Conference also elected by acclamation the following persons as Vice-Presidents: Mr. Abdalla Ahmed El Hardallo (Sudan), Mr. Fernando Valenzuela (Spain), and Ms. Chanria Veerasa (Thailand).

C.        Agenda

22.  The agenda, as adopted by the Conference, read as follows:

1.     Opening of the Conference.

2.     Election of the President.

3.     Organizational matters:

(a)   Adoption of the agenda;

(b)   Election of the Vice-Presidents;

(c)   Organization of work.

4.     Situation of Central American refugees, returnees and displaced persons:

(a)   Assessment of the situation by country;

(b)   Strategies and projects;

5.     Protection of and assistance to Central American refugees, returnees and displaced persons within the framework of development.

6.     International support for and co-operation and solidarity with the affected countries; promotion and follow-up mechanisms.

7.     Adoption of the plan of action and other final documents.

D. Documentation

23.  The Conference had before it the following documents:

E.         Organization-of work

24.  The Conference decided to establish a working group to prepare a declaration and concerted plan of action of the Conference on the basis of the text approved in the Preparatory Committee and the comments and suggestions relating thereto, and that the group would be open to all participating States.

25.  On the proposal of the President, the Conference elected as Chairman of the Working Group one of its Vice-Presidents, Mr. Fernando Valenzuela, President of the Agency for International Co-operation of Spain.

26.  Technical information meetings were held with interested countries to consider on a country-by-country basis the programme proposals submitted to the Conference.

F.         Opening statements

1.         Statement by the President Guatemala

27.  Mr. Marco Vinicio Cerezo Arevalo, President of the Republic of Guatemala, opened the Conference. He stated that the people of Guatemala were resolved to establish strong democratic institutions. He said that internal strife and conflict over the past years had forced many Guatemalans to abandon their homes and seek refugee in foreign lands. However, the present democratic process had ushered in a new era in Guatemala, which was determined to respond to the needs and expectations of the whole national community.

28.  The President said that this new orientation in Guatemala was not without obstacles and dangers. He noted that the transition to full democratic institutions and the construction of a just society were a continuous and ongoing process. In particular, they would be incomplete for as long as sectors of the Guatemalan population continued to be constrained to abandon their homeland as a result of violence, dissension and intolerance. At the same time, the process would also be incomplete while armed groups continued to wage violence and destruction in the countryside.

29.  The President stated that the directions being followed by Guatemala on the national level had a corollary on the international scene. He said that as it was undesirable and unrealistic to strive for a democratic island in a region of conflict, the policy of Guatemala was to promote similar democratic institutions in other parts of the Central American region in order to achieve peace and prosperity for all.

30.  The President said that this was the inspiration behind the proposal to establish a Central American Parliament based on direct suffrage of the peoples of Central America. Such institutions, together with a policy of national reconciliation aimed at promoting the return of Guatemalan exiles and refugees to their country and places of origin, would guarantee the future of democracy in the country.

31.  He said that the hosting of the Conference by Guatemala was a modest gesture of the Guatemalan people in their quest for peace, national reconciliation and economic development. The Conference was also a valuable contribution of the international community to the efforts of the countries of the region in their search for peace.

32.  The President indicated that the Conference should be seen not only as a gesture of solidarity with the peoples of Central America but also as a practical forum for communication and exchange of ideas and experiences that might help to carry forward the various processes leading to peace, democracy and prosperity in the region.

2.         Statement by the Secretary-general of the United Nations

33.  The Secretary-General stated (A/44/311) that the Conference reflected the concern for hundreds of thousands of refugees and displaced persons who had been the innocent victims of conflicts in Central America. The magnitude of the refugee problem in the region was a measure of the political and social crisis that had given rise to it. He paid tribute to UNHCR for its work over the past 10 years on behalf of the Central American refugees, a courageous endeavour that had been a been a product of the vision of the States signatories of the Esquipulas II agreement, as well as of Mexico and Belize, which had come to recognize the gravity of the situation and the need for an urgent solution.

34.  Although the Conference was to be held on an apolitical and humanitarian basis, he begged the indulgence of the participants in order to refer to the present status of the Central American peace process. Despite the hopes raised by the signing of the Esquipulas agreement and although some important progress had been achieved, the results had in general fallen short of the expectations. The main problem that had arisen in the implementation of Esquipulas II stemmed from the fact that not all parties to the conflict were parties to the agreement and that no provision had been envisaged to involve them in the peacemaking process.

35.  Despite pessimistic forecasts about the fate of the peace plan, the five Central American Presidents had agreed in February at Costa del Sol on a Joint Declaration that gave practical guidance for the implementation of Esquipulas II's commitments. The Joint Declaration entrusted the United Nations with three very specific tasks: the establishment of a mechanism for verification of compliance with the security commitments; an invitation to monitor the fairness of the electoral process in Nicaragua; and the provision of assistance in implementing a joint plan for the demobilization and voluntary repatriation or relocation of members of the Nicaraguan resistance currently in Honduras.

36.  Expressing his concern and frustration at the lack of progress since the signing of the Declaration, the Secretary-General noted that, while the Organization had prepared an operating framework for a possible mechanism of verification, it had not yet been possible to follow up on this request. Careful consideration was meanwhile being given to the invitation to observe the elections in Nicaragua, although until now similar tasks had been performed by the United Nations only in the context of a decolonization process. Regarding the very delicate task of demobilization, he noted that there was still no joint plan approved by the five Governments. This situation was to him a matter of concern given the fundamental importance of the joint plan and its synchronization with the other components of the Declaration.

37.  In reviewing the present status of the process, the Secretary-General stated that he could not avoid expressing his profound concern. Whereas the Conference was to deal with one of the most heart-rending human consequences of the turbulence in Central America and its apolitical approach had to be preserved at all costs, it was imperative to break the vicious cycle of high expectations and profound disappointments in order to put the peace process back on the right track. Dictated by humanitarian concerns, the Conference itself could have a tremendous impact and emerge as a milestone on the difficult road to peace in the region.

G.        Opening statements at-the plenary session

1. Statement by the President of the Conference

38.  The President of the Conference stated that the primary reason for the convening of the Conference was the concern of the international community for the plight of hundreds of thousands of Central American refugees and displaced persons whose suffering constituted one of the most dramatic consequences of the crisis in the region.

39.  Recalling that this concern had been expressed in the agreements of Esquipulas II and Costa del Sol, the President stated that solutions should be sought in the context of the conditions prevailing in the region, while paying due regard to the humanitarian principles of peace, liberty and respect for human rights and democracy as well as the need for economic development and acceptable living standards for the affected populations. Refugees and displaced persons constituted prominent groups in the category of the poor and dispossessed. It was therefore also imperative to envisage solutions to their plight within the context of regional and national development programmes.

40.  In concluding, the President drew the attention of the participants to the basic standards to be achieved in tackling the problems of refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Central America. These included the conditions for voluntary repatriation and for the integration of the respective groups within their national communities, as well as economic and social measures enabling the creation of acceptable living standards for the affected populations.

2.         Statement by the United Nations-High Commissioner for Refugees

41.  In his statement, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said that the impetus behind the Conference was the growing awareness in the region of the need to find a solution to the problems of refugees and the conviction that this process could contribute to the ongoing efforts to achieve peace.

42.  The purpose of the Conference was to analyse the situation of several thousand victims of violence and conflicts in the Central American region, and to seek collective solutions to end their suffering.

43.  The High Commissioner noted that today's refugees were not just people who had been obliged to abandon their country of origin due to persecution - as established in the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees [1] but also included victims of wars, conflicts, human rights violations, and social upheavals. All these groups, which numbered several thousands in Central America, deserved protection and assistance. Fortunately, the response to this new phenomenon has been the generous welcome extended by the people and Governments of the seven affected countries to refugees, based on the deeply rooted tradition of asylum in Latin America. This tradition is illustrated by the adoption of the 1889 Montevideo Treaty on International Penal Law in which, for the first time, the concept of asylum was codified. This tradition has further reaffirmed over the past decade by the recommendations of the 1984 Cartagena Declaration. It continues to be reflected by the practice of States in the treatment of refugees, namely through the granting of asylum and respect for the principle of non-refoulement.

44.  The High Commissioner pointed out that the difficulties associated with exile were not only experienced by the refugees who were the direct victims of violence. He said that the host communities, through their generosity, often shared the misery of the refugees. In Central America, this dramatic situation was further aggravated since the majority of refugees were from rural areas and had been obliged to abandon their homes in economically depressed zones in order to seek shelter in faraway and equally poor areas near borders. Therefore, in addition to the usual economic difficulties, the host communities suffered the impact of the refugee influx on their natural resources, their social infrastructure and their services.

45.  The High Commissioner noted that, despite this generally grey background, there were grounds for optimism as witnessed by examples of solution-oriented initiatives being taken in other parts of the world, notably in southern Africa where the International Conference on the Plight of Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons in Southern Africa, held at Oslo in August 1988, had provided fresh impetus in the search for solutions for that region. He referred to various efforts deployed in the Central American region by Governments on behalf of refugees, including efforts to integrate refugees in Belize, activities to facilitate refugee integration into the labour market in Costa Rica, assistance for refugee camps and settlements in Honduras, measures to reintegrate returnees in their communities of origin in El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua and self-sufficiency solutions for refugees in south-eastern Mexico.

46.  The High Commissioner stated that according to the evidence, these positive actions had nevertheless proved to be insufficient and that there were grounds for carrying further the search for solutions within the context of the Conference. In addition, in envisaging solutions for the region, there was a need to bear in mind the linkage between peace and economic development, as reflected in the many-faceted processes unfolding in Central America. For these reasons, the High Commissioner proposed that the Conference adopt a three-pronged approach based on:

(a)   The humanitarian emphasis advocated by UNHCR and Governments in providing asylum and assistance to refugees and affected populations;

(b)   The necessary linkage between humanitarian assistance and economic development objectives in favour of affected populations;

(c)   The focus and orientation of the above steps as an element and a contribution to the peace-building process in the region.

47.  The High Commissioner pointed out that the challenges of this new approach called for increased and efficient collaboration between UNHCR, UNDP and all other agencies and institutions possessing the relevant expertise to carry out the technical objective of the Conference.

3.         Statement by the Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United National Development Programme

48.  The Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of UNDP recalled hat the General Assembly had welcomed the initiative of the Governments of the region to organize the Conference.

49.  He said that for this reason, UNDP had collaborated closely with UNHCR and with the Office of the Secretary-General in the Preparatory Committee of this Conference from its inception, in order to provide the necessary support to the Governments of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua.

50.  The Regional Director also recalled the origins of the Special Plan of Economic Co-operation for Central America (PEC) in the realization of the international community of the linkage between peace and development as reflected in the Esquipulas II agreement and preceding steps aimed at achieving a lasting peace in the Central American region.

51.  He explained that the Special Plan involved mobilizing and channelling investments in the amount of $4.3 billion to the region to meet a wide range of needs, including emergency requirements, external debt service and reactivation of the economic and social sectors.

52.  He added that the co-operation of international financial and economic institutions, together with major donor countries, had been obtained for the Plan, which was now fully operational. The important place given to the plight of uprooted persons was a reflection not only of the order of magnitude of these groups, which were estimated at 7 to 10 per cent of the Central American population, but also of the underlying assumption that the fulfilment of the needs of these populations was an essential element for the consolidation of peace in the region.

53.  The Regional Director indicated that, while the international community showed group interest for refugees, much less attention was given to internally displaced persons. At the same time, the conditions of the displacement usually tended to accentuate the gravity of a situation of critical poverty. The strong linkage between the causes and the conditions of displacement, the problems and obstacles to development common to both situations, had increased UNDP's awareness of the importance of the assistance to displaced and repatriated persons.

54.  Though presented as different groups in the common category of poverty-stricken populations, it would appear that refugees, returnees and displaced persons required common solutions aimed at alleviating profound misery through sustained development activities and programmes. The Regional Director indicated that this awareness was recognized in the role assigned to UNDP by the General Assembly in the implementation of the PEC chapter relating to these categories.

55.  He explained that the basis for meeting this responsibility was enhanced by UNDP's general coordinating role for operational development activities within the United Nations system, as clearly borne out by the experience of the recently initiated PRODERE process in El Salvador, a multisectoral approach to development geared to meet the basic needs of the populations involved. Under this programme, a total of $115 million had been set aside to provide direct and indirect benefits to some 385,000 persons in the Central American countries and Belize. It was foreseen that the programme, which would be implemented over three years under the co-ordination of UNDP and with the participation of the specialized organizations of the system - particularly UNHCR, ILO and WHO - would cover areas including community organization, food aid, stimulation of economic activities, improvement of the economic and social infrastructure, special support to vulnerable groups, provision of health and sanitary services, legal assistance and environmental protection.

56.  UNDP would continue to evaluate the impact of the displaced persons on the socioeconomic environment and would maintain its support to the countries, so that, on the basis of this additional information, the affected countries could formulate a strategy to complement the initial efforts reflected in the plan of action presented to the Conference.

57.  This additional information, together with the diagnostic studies and formulation of the national strategies, were the beginning of a process aimed at solutions to the problems caused by the displacement of populations within the framework of a sustained socioeconomic development of the sub-region.

58.  The Regional Director concluded by stating that it was hoped the integrated approach would inspire the philosophy and methods of the Conference.

H.        General debate.

59.  In the course of the debate, the representatives of the following 32 States took the floor: Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Peru, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Venezuela and Zambia. The representative of the Holy See spoke also.

60.  Representatives of the following nine entities of the United Nations system also addressed the Conference: Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, United Nations Population Fund, International Labour Organization, United Nations Centre for Human Settlements, United Nations Development Fund for Women, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, World Food Programme and World Health Organization.

61.  The Conference also heard statements from the following five organizations: European Economic Community, Intergovernmental Committee for Migration, Latin American Centre for Demography, International Committee of the Red Cross, International Council of Voluntary Agencies.

62.  In the course of their statements, the representatives of several Governments expressed support for efforts to find peaceful solutions to the Central American crises and, as part of that process, the renewed willingness to seek permanent solutions for refugees, returnees and displaced persons in the region. In this regard, several representatives stressed the importance of the observance of principles of international protection, particularly those relating to voluntary repatriation of refugees. As regards material assistance measures, many speakers welcomed the growing complementarity between humanitarian assistance and the wider development-oriented programmes and objectives of the countries concerned. Statements were also made in support of the efforts to revitalize and improve the economies of the region, in order to bolster the peace problem which might, in turn, pave the way for the return and reintegration of refugees and displaced populations.

63.  A number of Governments announced their support in principle for the projects presented at the Conference and their readiness to make financial commitments towards their implementation. Many speakers called for great flexibility in arrangements for channelling funds to meet the needs identified at the Conference, whether through bilateral or multilateral means, and also urged the establishment of effective co-ordination and monitoring mechanisms to assure maximum impact of international assistance.

IV.       ADOPTION OF THE DECLARATION AND CONCERTED PLAN OF ACTION

64.  At the fifth plenary meeting, the President introduced the draft Declaration and Concerted Plan of Action in favour of Central American Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons (CIREFCA/89/13) which, he stated, was the product of extensive consultations within the Working Group of the Conference.

65.  The Conference adopted the Declaration and Concerted Plan of Action by acclamation (see annex).

V.        CONCLUDING STATEMENTS

A.         Statement by the High- Commissioner

66.  The High Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the extremely constructive atmosphere in which the deliberations of the Conference had taken place and with the encouraging conclusions of the Conference, in particular the adoption of the Declaration and Concerted Plan of Action. He stated that UNHCR would continue to pursue the goals of the Conference in concert with the Governments of the affected countries, donors, international organizations and non-governmental organizations. He said that the quick consensus achieved by the Conference on the initial arrangements relating to the implementation of the Plan of Action provided an accurate indication of the determination to bring the work of the Conference to a successful conclusion.

B.        Statement by the President of the Conference

67.  In his closing statement, the President of the Conference paid tribute to the collective will of the participants to find permanent solutions to the problem of refugees and displaced persons in Central America. He expressed confidence that efforts would now be deployed to accelerate the implementation of the measures endorsed by the Conference, in particular the newly-approved Declaration and Concerted Plan of Action.

68.  He added that it was his firm belief that carrying out these measures would not only alleviate the suffering of several hundred thousand Central Americans, but would also constitute a constructive step in the unfolding peace process in the region. For all these reasons, it was necessary to ensure that the responsibilities set out in the follow-up arrangements of the Conference be fulfilled by the parties concerned, and that the goals of the Conference might become reality.

ANNEX Declaration and Concerted Plan Action in Favour of Central American Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons

I.          DECLARATION

The Governments of the States represented in the International Conference on Central American Refugees, held at Guatemala City from 29 to 31 May 1989,

Bearing in mind the significance of the Procedure for the Establishment of a Firm and Lasting Peace in Central America, signed by the Presidents of the five countries of Central America at Guatemala City on 7 August 1987, and especially the contents of its point 8,

Recalling the San Salvador Communiqué on Central American Refugees of 9 September 1988, resolution 43/118 of the General Assembly of the United Nations of 8 December 1988, entitled "International Conference on Central American Refugees", and the resolution of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States of 19 November 1988 entitled "Central American Refugees and Regional Efforts to Resolve Their Problems",

Taking fully into account the Joint Declaration of the Central American Presidents signed in the Department of La Paz, El Salvador, on 14 February 1989, in which they offer their full support for the Conference,

Noting other expressions of support received, in particular from the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Central American States, the Contradora Group and the European Economic Community in the Political Declaration and the Joint Economic Communiqué of the San José Meeting, held at San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on 27 and 28 February 1989,

Recognizing the importance, within the overall United Nations effort for the region, of the Special Plan of Economic Co-operation for Central America, approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations in its resolution 42/231 of 12 May 1988, whose chapter on refugees and displaced persons will have to be complementary to the implementation of the Plan of Action of the Conference,

Bearing in that the common effort in favour of refugees, returnees and displaced persons requires the support, co-operation and co-ordination of the various affected and interested Governments, and of the various international organizations involved, particularly the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme, Noting that since the beginning of the conflicts in the region, more than a quarter of a million Central Americans have fled their countries of origin and have received protection and assistance as refugees in neighbouring countries, especially through the meritorious work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees,

Noting furthermore that the crisis in Central America not only has brought about the exodus of refugees which have been identified, recognized and assisted as such, but also has resulted in both internal and external displacements of a considerably higher number of persons than that of refugees and which equally need attention,

Concerned by the intense human suffering caused by this massive uprooting of population groups, which in addition has had a negative impact on the populations that receive them and on the public services and natural resources, among others, available in the countries where they transit,

Declare as follows:

1.     Express their strong concern with regard to the existence of hundreds of thousands of Central American refugees and displaced persons whose suffering constitutes one of the most distressing consequences of the crisis in the region and a human drama that must be dealt with;

2.     Emphasize the praiseworthy humanitarian and non-political attitude of the countries which, with the help of the international community and especially of the co-operating countries, have provided timely protection and assistance to those affected;

3.     Reaffirm their commitment to encourage the voluntary return of refugees and other persons displaced by the crisis, under conditions of personal security and dignity that would allow them to resume a normal life;

4.     Confirm also that international assistance is provided on the same humanitarian and strictly nonpolitical basis;

5.     Reaffirm further the importance for the countries in the region of the 1951 United Nations Convention on the Status of Refugees, and its 1967 Protocol, and, for those countries that are parties to them, the regional instruments on asylum and human rights, in the context of the generous tradition of asylum in Latin America;

6.     Reiterate their commitment to respect and promote the basic principles of protection of refugees and other principles which concern the inherent rights of the individual;

7.     Reiterate the importance of the principle according to which refugees are obliged to respect and observe the laws of the country of asylum, including lawful measures taken for the maintenance of public order;

8.     Confirm the obligation of refugees to avoid any activities which might affect the strictly civilian and humanitarian nature of camps and settlements, as well as any activity that is incompatible with the regional peace process;

9.     Take note of the contribution, for the countries of the region, of the Cartagena Declaration on Refugees, which amplifies the relevant principles and criteria for the protection of and assistance to refugees in the region and serves as guidance and orientation for those States;

10.  Take note also of the importance for the countries of the region of the document on Principles and Criteria for the Protection of and Assistance to Central American Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons in Latin America, which may constitute a source of information and orientation for all interested States;

11.  Note with satisfaction the willingness of the affected States to include in their national development plans, as a matter of priority, proposals for solutions for refugees, returnees and displaced persons submitted to the Conference;

12.  Recognize that the inclusion of specific solutions to the problems of refugees, returnees and displaced persons, within the framework of economic and social development strategies, will contribute to the success of the Plan of Action;

13.  Confirm that beyond the formal and overriding commitment in respect of refugees and returnees, in conformity with the relevant international instruments and the fundamental principles of international protection, the international community is ready, in accordance with the principles of humanity and solidarity, to contribute to solutions in favour of displaced persons;

14.  Emphasize that it is important for the above-mentioned proposals to pay due attention, as a matter of priority, to the special needs of refugee women and children;

15.  Recognize the crucial role played by the tripartite commissions, made up of representatives of the country of asylum, the country of origin and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in facilitating and promoting the voluntary repatriation of refugees;

16.  Confirm that it is necessary for the treatment and solutions in favour of refugees, returnees and displaced persons to take place on a strictly humanitarian basis, with the agreement and respect of all parties concerned, as reflected in the formal commitment contained in the San Salvador Communiqué of 9 September 1988;

17.  Recognize the positive contribution made by non-governmental organizations in the area of assistance in favour of the affected population groups and, in this regard, encourages them to increase their efforts within the framework established by the relevant Governments',

18.  Underline. the importance of several projects underway regarding refugees, returnees and displaced persons which are carried out in the countries affected - these include, inter alia the ongoing efforts of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Development Programme and the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as non-governmental in keeping with the special plan of economic co-operation for Central America and the Programme in Favour of Displaced Persons, Refugees and Returnees;

19.  Express their profound gratitude to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for his valuable assistance in the preparation of the Conference;

20.  Recognize the important contribution of organizations of the United Nations system and other intergovernmental organizations in the preparation of the Conference;

21.  Emphasize the commendable collaboration of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme with the Governments of the affected countries in the various stages of the preparation for the Conference and, in particular, in the formulation of proposals for solutions in favour of the affected population groups;

22.  Recognize that solutions to the problems of refugees, returnees and displaced persons form an integral part of the efforts for peace, democracy and development taking place in the region;

And, therefore:

23.  Approve, in accordance with the principle of international solidarity, the guidelines of the Concerted Plan of Action in Favour of Central American Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons, set forth below, support its principles and objectives, and consider it a promising initial framework for future activities and thus reaffirm their commitment to contribute to the establishment of a firm and lasting peace in Central America;

24.  Decide to examine in a favourable spirit the projects presented to the Conference by the affected countries and to explore all possible sources to ensure their financing;

25.  Recommend that the international community should give greater attention and support to the problem of displaced persons and that, to that end, the Secretary-General of the United Nations should assign, after consultations with the member States, the corresponding responsibilities;

26.  Take note of the decision of the affected countries to disseminate the document on the Principles and Criteria for the Protection of and Assistance to Central American Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons in Latin America, to be used as a source of information;

27.  Note with appreciation the mechanisms for promotion and follow-up described in the Plan of Action.

II.         CONCERTED PLAN OF ACTION IN FAVOUR OF CENTRAL AMERICAN REFUGEES, RETURNEES AND DISPLACED PERSONS

Introduction

1.     The San Salvador Communiqué of 9 September 1988, which called for the International Conference on Central American Refugees, establishes the need for national plans and programmes of action in favour of Central American refugees, returnees and displaced persons, identifying concrete solutions to their serious problems to be formulated on a purely humanitarian and non-political basis.

2.     In this context, the Governments of the affected countries have formulated, at the national level, detailed diagnostic studies of the massive population movements that have taken place in the region, on the basis of which the present Plan of Action has been prepared. In part one, which contains the strategy, the basic objectives, fundamentals and project proposals to identify solutions to the problems of Central American refugees, returnees and displaced persons are described. In part two, the mechanisms for follow-up and promotion of the Plan of Action are outlined.

PART ONE Strategy

A          The present situation

3.     In the course of the last ten years, almost two million Central Americans have been displaced in the region as a result of the current crisis. During the same time, numerous assistance programmes have been implemented which have considerably improved the situation of the affected people. In several cases, durable solutions have been found; nevertheless, for the majority of the uprooted population groups, viable and definitive alternatives remain to be identified.

4.     In the first instance, a particularly vulnerable group of almost 150,000 persons, recognized and assisted as refugees, form part of the uprooted population groups. The great majority have found asylum in Costa Rica (41,000), Honduras (37,000) and Mexico (43,000), with smaller but nevertheless significant numbers in Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. In any event, these numbers do not include those persons who fall within the established criteria but have not requested recognition and assistance as refugees and are dispersed throughout almost all the countries of the region.

5.     In the second instance, there is another group of persons, returnees, who equally need assistance in order to achieve durable solutions. This involves persons who, at one time, had been refugees and decided to return to their countries of origin. According to figures provided by the respective Governments, there are in the region 13,500 Guatemalans, 35,000 Nicaraguans and 13,000 Salvadorians.

6.     The conflict and crisis have at the same time resulted in the displacement of an important third group of persons who remain homeless within the boundaries of their own countries and without means of subsistence. They are called internally displaced persons and need special assistance, even though they remain subject to the jurisdiction and protection of the authorities of their own countries.

7.     In addition, among those affected by the crisis, another group is located outside of their own countries and needs attention owing to their uprooted situation and the additional burden which they may signify to the communities where they live. This group is made up of people who, as a result of the crisis, have been unable to provide for their subsistence or lead a normal life, whether or not their lives, security or liberty have been threatened by the conflict. When, as a result, these persons have been obliged to leave their homes and move to a neighbouring country, they are called, for the purpose of this Plan of Action, externally displaced persons and their situation undoubtedly deserves a more detailed legal and social analysis.

8.     Although the magnitude of this problem is difficult to measure, it is thought that, in addition to the number of assisted refugees, some 1.8 million persons are affected in all countries of the region, whether they are obliged to cross an international border - among whom there are refugees who have not been recognized as such - or to leave their homes while remaining in their own countries.

B.        Basic objectives

9.     Since the beginning of the refugee exodus in Central America, the affected countries have responded with emergency and other forms of basic assistance with a view to meeting immediate needs and in some cases, facilitating durable solutions. Even if the magnitude of human suffering has been lightened and emergency situations have been overcome, many refugees still live in precarious conditions. One of the objectives of the present Plan of Action is to identify durable solutions to overcome this problem within the possibilities of the affected countries.

10.  From this fundamental objective follows the obligation to respect, in the first place, the right of refugees to return voluntarily to their countries of origin in order to resume a normal life. Consequently, voluntary repatriation, which is the best solution, will be facilitated above all. In those instances where conditions do not yet exist to make this possible, the Plan of Action proposes measures to help refugees play a larger and more positive role in the countries of asylum while awaiting voluntary repatriation, by opening camps - when conditions so permit - and promoting interaction with the local community. It also proposes that alternative solutions be identified for those refugees who are dispersed outside the camps. In exceptional cases, when some refugees cannot remain in the country of asylum, for protection reasons, the possibility of third country resettlement is considered.

11.  Even though refugees can make a positive contribution to local communities during their stay - and this has in some instances been the case - it is clear that their presence in massive numbers has produced, or can produce, negative effects in the employment, social services, economic and ecological sectors in the country of asylum which must be given special consideration. It is therefore necessary to assure that programmes are appropriate to the characteristics of the area and are formulated while taking into consideration the standard of living in the asylum country. In view of the possible negative effects mentioned, the Plan of Action has been formulated as well to remedy this situation and, if possible, to contribute to improving conditions in the affected communities. Recent experience has shown that international programmes of co-operation in favour of refugees in rural areas should, for reasons of equality, also benefit the surrounding local population.

12.  Concerning the group of displaced persons, the Plan of Action attempts to improve their situation so that they may return and have a normal productive life in their communities of origin whenever possible.

C. Fundamentals of the Plan of Action

13.  The Plan of Action is based on the following fundamental principles:

(a)   The affected countries consider that both the commitment to re-establish peace in the region and the formulation of proposals for solutions in favour of the affected population groups form an integral part of the efforts towards regional peace and development;

(b)   The steps taken towards peace constitute the basis of proposals for solutions in favour of refugees, returnees and displaced persons made in the framework of the procedure for the Establishment of a Firm and Lasting Peace in Central America (Esquipulas II), signed by the Presidents of the countries of Central America on 7 August 1987 and reaffirmed in the Joint Declaration of the Central American Presidents, signed in the Department of La Paz, El Salvador, on 14 February 1989;

(c)   The problems of refugees, returnees and displaced persons and the proposals for solutions should continue to be treated on a strictly humanitarian and non-political basis; in this context, States are guided above all by considerations of solidarity with the individuals in need and the imperative of identifying humane solutions to their problems, giving priority to the preservation of life and personal safety above any other consideration.

14.  The affected States reiterate their commitment to the fundamental principles of human rights and protection of refugees, especially those of non-refoulement and abstention from discrimination, expulsion or detention of refugees for having entered illegally the territory of the country. In addition, they reaffirm the continued upholding of the institution of asylum in the region.

15.  In the same manner, the affected countries reiterate the importance of the principle according to which refugees are obliged, as any other person, to respect and observe the laws and regulations of the country of asylum, including lawful measures taken for the maintenance of public order. Refugees, for their part, are also under the obligation to avoid any activity which might affect the strictly civilian and humanitarian nature of camps and settlements, and to abstain from any activity incompatible with the regional peace process.

16.  In order to ensure the success of the Plan of Action, the affected countries propose to link solution programmes for refugees, returnees and displaced persons with economic and social development in the region.

D. Three-year regional programme

17.  In order to reach the stated objectives, the affected countries have reoriented or consolidated their policies with regard to refugees, returnees and displaced persons with a view to proposing programmes and projects for the next three years. Taken together, the policies on which the proposals are based constitute the global strategy adopted by the States described below.

18.  This strategy has a dynamic character in so far as the proposals presented by the affected countries are based on an analysis of the current regional situation. The implementation of the Plan of Action will be evaluated in the light of the actual situation in the region through the mechanisms outlined in part two of the Plan of Action.

1.         Programmes in favour of returnees

19.  The voluntary repatriation programmes contain multisectoral projects aimed at facilitating the reintegration of returnees in their communities. These programmes address:

(a)   The needs of returnees who receive basic assistance and, in some cases, rehabilitation assistance. The Plan of Action attempts to achieve their economic and social integration, benefiting the community where they return as well;

(b)   The needs of future returnees and the receiving communities, in an integrated approach, which begins with the process of return and ends with re-integration. The Plan of Action foresees support to communities in the country of origin in order to create minimum conditions for return, even before such movement starts. The rate of implementation of these programmes will depend on the actual return of returnees.

20.  The projects submitted up to the time of formulation of the Plan of Action aim at facilitating the reintegration in El Salvador of some 13,000 returnees and another 8,000 future returnees (CIREFCA/89/4, projects 2 and 3); 3,500 returnees and 30,000 future returnees in Guatemala (CIREFCA/89/3, projects 1 and 2); and 35,000 returnees and 31,000 future returnees in Nicaragua (CIREFCA/89/8, projects 1 and 3 to 7).

21.  These programmes reflect the commitment to continue respect for:

(a)   The right of refugees to return to their countries of origin as well as to receive information on the prevailing situation to allow them to reach a free decision concerning their return;

(b)   The voluntary and individually-manifested character of repatriation;

(c)   The necessity that repatriation take place in conditions of security and dignity;

(d)   The ability of the refugees to choose the destination in their countries, as well as freedom of movement and free choice of place of residence under the same conditions as other nationals of their countries;

(e)   Non-discrimination for having sought asylum;

(f)    Access to means of subsistence and to land under the same conditions as other nationals of their countries;

(g)   The respective cultural and ethnic values;

(h)   The work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in favour of returnees and his access to them.

The rights referred to in this paragraph are to be implemented in the context of the prevailing legislation in each country.

22.  The programmes also aim at regularizing the situation of returnees with regard to the delivery of identity documents and the registry of births, marriages and deaths, and other events occurring in the country of asylum and relating to the civil status of the individual. They also provide for access to citizenship for children of returnees born abroad as well as for foreign spouses, when they so desire, and facilitate the recognition of studies undertaken in the country of asylum.

23.  The humanitarian and non-political character of international assistance in favour of voluntary repatriation must be respected by all parties involved throughout the repatriation process.

2.         Programmes in favour of refugees

24.  The Plan of Action will in course allow refugees to play a larger and more positive role in the countries of asylum and - in those situations where the authorities so decide - to begin an integration process. This will mutually benefit refugees and receiving communities. The Plan of Action includes integrated projects, often on a community-wide basis, with a view to overcoming the isolation of refugees assistance projects.

25.  In Costa Rica, the Plan of Action foresees the insertion into the labour market of some 20,000 urban and semi-urban refugees as well as diminishing overcrowding in camps benefiting another 10,000 refugees; in El Salvador, assistance for the socioeconomic integration of 1,500 refugees (CIREFCA/89/4, project 1); and in Honduras development in favour of 37,000 refugees (CIREFCA/89/2, projects 1, 2 and 4). In addition, the Plan of Action aims at self-sufficiency integration in Mexico of 20,000 refugees in Campeche and Quintana Roo and the gradual self-sufficiency of another 23,000 refugees in Chiapas (CIREFCA/89/7, projects 1 and 2); in Nicaragua, the socioeconomic integration of 1,000 refugees (CIREFCA/89/8, project 2); and in Belize, the integration of 5,000 refugees (CIREFCA/89/5, projects 1 to 7). The Government of Guatemala is currently preparing, for its part, projects in favour of refugees in that country.

26.  These projects are based on the desire expressed by the Governments to undertake activities in favour of refugees which, in so far as possible, will be adapted to the standard of living of the relevant local communities and will benefit the local population. Among other activities should be noted the development of employment opportunities, the strengthening of public services, the conservation of natural resources and the enrichment of the national cultural heritage, with full respect for the ethnic values of the relevant population groups. Bearing in mind the option of voluntary repatriation, possibilities to contribute to an interchange with the refugees' communities of origin will be considered in the context of the tripartite activities which have been established for such purposes.

27.  In accordance with existing laws, the Governments of asylum countries propose to regularize the migratory situation of refugees. To this effect, funds are been foreseen under several projects to reinforce government institutions responsible for supervising the co-ordination and implementation of governmental policies concerning refugees. Two countries have developed special projects to meet these needs (CIREFCA/89/2, projects 5 and 61, CIREFCA/89/5, project 4).

3.         Programmes in favour of internally and externally displaced persons

28.  The number of internally displaced Central Americans is much greater than that of refugees and their needs can be as important. In the context of seeking solutions to problems caused by the massive displacement of population groups in the region, the affected countries have also included these persons as beneficiaries of multisectoral development projects. Once again, as in the case of other groups of beneficiaries, the programme aiming at facilitating the integration of displaced persons uses an integrated approach in order to achieve its goals and also to benefit the communities where the internally displaced persons are living.

29.  The projects contemplated in the Plan of Action are aimed at a part of the population of internally displaced persons and foresee, at the moment, integral assistance for 43,000 internally displaced persons in El Salvador (CIREFCA/89/4, project 4); basic assistance to some 12,500 in Guatemala (CIREFCA/89/3, projects 1 and 2); and integral assistance to some 90,000 in Nicaragua (CIREFCA/89/8), projects 1 and 3 to 7).

30.  These projects reflect the necessity to provide a humanitarian treatment to internally displaced persons, which presumes, in principle, facilitating the return to their homes and the reconstruction of their communities, or their location in other areas of the national territory or in places where they are actually living. In any of these possibilities, the common objective is the integration of internally displaced persons and their participation in the development process in the same conditions as other nationals of the country.

31.  The Plan of Action also foresees assistance to externally displaced persons. The relevant projects include improving infrastructure and providing support to the sectors most affected by the massive presence of externally displaced persons, as well as integral and multisectoral assistance for 100,000 externally displaced persons in Costa Rica (CIREFCA/89/6, project 3); and similar assistance benefiting 37,000 externally displaced persons in Honduras (CIREFCA/89/2, project 3).

32.  These projects in favour of externally displaced persons reflect the necessity to provide them with a humanitarian treatment and with integral and multisectoral assistance, taking into consideration as well fostering conditions so that the individuals concerned can lead a normal life. In so far as externally displaced persons voluntarily return to their country, the Plan of Action proposes to facilitate their access to programmes in favour of returnees.

PART TWO Follow-up and promotion mechanisms

A.         The Conference and the special programme of economic co-operation for Central America

33.  Bearing in mind that the preparation of the Plan of Action has made it possible to update and complement the chapter on refugees and displaced persons contained in the special programme of economic co-operation for Central America, it is considered that the combination of humanitarian and development objectives requires a follow-up mechanism able to focus duly on the needs of the beneficiary groups and solve them in an expeditious and flexible manner.

34.  The aforementioned requires a flexible mechanism for follow-up and promotion, capable of reaching decisions at the national level while promoting international support, and using instruments already defined in the special programme of economic co-operation for Central America for sectoral programmes and specific projects. As a result, the affected countries adopt the follow-up and promotion mechanisms described below, in order to enable the specific objectives and proposals contained in the Plan of Action and the mobilization of international co-operation to be implemented, with the collaboration of the Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme.

B.        Mechanisms at the national level

35.  A national coordinating committee will be established in each country and will include the competent national authorities; the committee will facilitate the detailed formulation of project proposals and will benefit from the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme and will be responsible for the final approval of the projects. For the implementation of projects, it will solicit the necessary financial support which will be channeled as the Governments agree, bearing in mind the procedures established by the donor countries, by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and by the United Nations Development Programme or other international agencies. The national committee will also prepare reports on the implementation of the Plan of Action in its country.

36.  The national committee will also establish and promote a regular and flexible co-ordination between national and international implementing agencies and non-governmental organizations participating in the planning or in the implementation of projects included in the Plan of Action.

37.  In addition, the national committee may establish support groups with the participation of national authorities, representatives of donor countries, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Development Programme, other interested international agencies and financial institutions and non-governmental organizations. The support groups will meet regularly and their purpose will be to assure periodic consultations for the follow-up, the promotion and mobilization of support and resources; as decided by each government, the support groups will collaborate with the national coordinating committee in the preparation of reports on the implementation of the Plan of Action.

38.  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme will jointly offer, on a continuous basis, the necessary co-operation to the national committee and assist in the identification of resources for all projects in the Plan of Action. The role of each organization will depend on the specific population group, the type of activity envisaged, and the organization's mandate in co-ordination with the national committee.

C.        Support of tripartite bodies

39.  The tripartite bodies which asylum countries, countries of origin and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees have formed to facilitate and promote voluntary repatriation will support those activities which it this context will be carried out under the Plan of Action and will facilitate communication, co-ordination and evaluation as necessary.

D. International mechanism

40.  The affected countries of the region, with the support of the Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme, will continue taking part at the international level in the Follow-up Committee of the International Conference on Central American Refugees. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme will provide the necessary facilities for carrying out the activities of the Follow-up Committee. The Follow-up Committee, under the rotating chairmanship of each Government, will meet at least once a year to evaluate the implementation of the Plan of Action and co-ordinate additional support activities. To that end, it will receive the reports of the national co-ordination committee, whose representatives will meet in preparatory meetings prior to the meetings of the Follow-up Committee.

41.  The Follow-up Committee will invite representatives of interested countries and other entities to its annual meeting in order to inform them on the contents of the reports of the national committees, to carry out a joint evaluation of the progress achieved in implementing the Plan of Action, promote support and the mobilization of resources and finalize commitments for financing and co-operation.

42.  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees will communicate the conclusions of these meetings in his reports to the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme and to the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 43/118. The United Nations Development Programme will report to its Governing Council and to the various bodies included in the implementing mechanisms of the special programme of economic co-operation for Central America, in so far as it concerns beneficiary countries of the Special Programme.

43.  The national committees of American countries will send progress reports on the implementation of the Plan of Action in each country to the Vice-Presidents' forum in order to establish the relevant co-ordination with the special programme of economic co-operation for Central America.

[1] United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 606, No. 8791, p. 267.