Political adviser Roger Ingebrigtsen - Contribution on the meeting at UNHCR

Political adviser Roger Ingebrigtsen

Ministry of local government and labour

Contribution on the meeting at UNHCR

Geneva, 13th of may

Madame High Commissioner
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen

Allow me to thank the High Commissioner for the useful update of the Operational Plan for Durable Solutions and for the lucid view of the current situation she gave us this morning. The document before us indicate that UNHCR's Operational Plan cannot be implemented as fast as we previously expected. We nevertheless hope that this meeting will contribute to the clearing away of some obstacles before us and thereby add to our joint efforts to promote durable solutions. The document gives a clear description of the status with regard to the three benchmarks set forward in the Geneva meeting and confirmed by the Oslo meeting, for lifting of the temporary protection regime. We realize that important military provisions of the Peace Agreement have not been implemented. My government is deeply disturbed by the problems posed by the non-removal of land-mines. We are strongly engaged in the international efforts to alleviate the effects of this tragic situation.

The Norwegian government has also taken active part in the establishment of various human rights institutions foreseen by the peace agreement. We have offered personnel to several of these mechanisms.

We regret that the right to freedom of movement has not been observed. Let me also ask the governments concerned to do their outmost to facilitate the refugees travel from host countries to their homes. I have been informed that some Bosnians with temporary protections in Norway have had to wait up to 3 months for their national passports to be produced. We learn with appreciation from the document before us that steps have been taken to solve formalities linked to the transit of refugees through neighbouring countries.

Since the Oslo meeting the Norwegian government has reviewed its general assistance programme for repatriation. Realizing the problems facing refugees who wish to return after a number of years in Norway, we want to assist them more actively. A return should not constitute a heavy burden on the home communities of the refugees, nor to their friends or relatives. Therefore, they are given financial assistance whice to som extent will enable them to re-establish themselves on their own. The general assistance programme consists of:

• a pre-departure cash payment
• a grant to cover expenses of transporting belongings
• covering of travel expenses

For refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina we have added elements of

• community support and
• additional support after one year

I feel convinced that the establishment of community based rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in Bosnia will reduce any misgivings about the modest means the returning refugees bring along. How these community based support programs are to be established and governed has not yet been decided. We look forward to a dialogue with the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and UNHCR with regard to this issue.

I realize that large amounts are needed for reconstruction in order to improve living conditions for the local population and enable refugees and displaced persons to return to their home. Norway is prepared to contribute in total some US$ 60 million to former Yugoslavia for 1996. Of this amount, some US$ 40 million are earmarked for reconstruction programmes. These contributions will mainly be allocated to housing and shelter, to rehabilitation of social infrastructure such as schools and public buildings and to mine clearing and mine awareness programmes.

In Norway a temporary protection regime is still in place for Bosnian refugees. As long as the benchmarks for lifting temporary protection identified by UNHCR are not reached, repatriation from Norway will be voluntary. Lifting temporary protection does not automatically mean immediate return to Bosnia and Herzegovina. First, the refugees will be given ample time to prepare their return. Second, everyone have the right to apply for asylum on individual grounds. These applications will be processed according to regular procedures and criteria.

It is important that the return arrangements are made in a way which contribute positively to the peace process. Our efforts should be aimed at attaining a situation where all nationals of former Yugoslavia may be able to live in peace, with security and dignity at home. My government stands ready to continue the close cooperation with the High Commissioner on this issues.

Thank you, Madam High Commissioner