EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS
HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES
Fiftieth session
SUMMARY RECORD OF THE 537th MEETING
Held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva,
on Tuesday, 5 October 1999, at 3 p.m.
Chairman: Mr. PEREZ-HERNANDEZ (Spain)
CONTENTS
ANNUAL THEME: STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIP TO ENSURE PROTECTION, ALSO IN RELATION TO SECURITY (continued)
The meeting was called to order at 3.10 p.m.
ANNUAL THEME: STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIP TO ENSURE PROTECTION, ALSO IN RELATION TO SECURITY (A/AC.96/923) (continued)
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52. Mr. SARRA (Observer for the Syrian Arab Republic) said that the refugee problem was a humanitarian issue with political and geographical dimensions which required solutions based on cooperation and on UNHCR efforts. He thanked UNHCR for establishing the Al-Hol camp, where thousands of Iraqi refugees were still living, and for the material assistance and aid in voluntary repatriation that UNHCR had provided for refugees living in towns. He welcomed the cooperation between UNHCR and the Federation of Arab Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. The presence of a large number of Palestinian refugees under UNWRA responsibility was a heavy burden for Syria. He reaffirmed Syria’s full support for UNHCR as it carried out its noble mission.
The meeting rose at 5.30 p.m.
Document Type: Summary record
Document Sources: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Subject: Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 21/12/1999