30 May 1991

12th plenary meeting

Humanitarian assistance to Iraqi refugees and displaced persons

The Economic and Social Council,

Expressing deep concern about the plight of Iraqi refugees and displaced persons,

Aware that the majority of Iraqi refugees and displaced persons are women, the elderly and children, who are particularly vulnerable to hardship,

Acknowledging the fact that coping with the enormous needs of Iraqi refugees is far beyond the capacities of host countries,

Recognizing the importance of international cooperation in responding to the emergency needs of Iraqi refugees and displaced persons and the alleviation of human suffering,

Taking note of the heavy burden placed on the people and Governments of host countries,

1. Commends the efforts of the Governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey to provide Iraqi refugees with shelter, protection, food, health care and other humanitarian services, and welcomes the cooperation extended by host countries to the humanitarian agencies of the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations;

2. Expresses its appreciation for the assistance rendered by States, various organizations of the United Nations system and other governmental and non-governmental organizations to Iraqi refugees and displaced persons;

3. Welcomes with appreciation the initiatives of the Secretary-General in alleviating the human suffering of Iraqi refugees and displaced persons, including the designation of an Executive Delegate for the United Nations Humanitarian Programme for Iraq, Kuwait and the Iraq/Iran and Iraq/Turkey Border Areas;

4. Appeals to all States, appropriate organs and organizations of the United Nations system, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and the international financial institutions to continue to provide the necessary resources for responding to the enormous needs of Iraqi refugees and displaced persons and recognizes the need to continue and improve further the coordination between host countries, the humanitarian agencies of the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations;

5. Calls upon States concerned and the United Nations system to facilitate the safe and honourable return of Iraqi refugees and displaced persons to their homes;

6. Requests the Secretary-General to continue his efforts to mobilize the necessary financial and material assistance;

7. Requests the Executive Delegate of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Humanitarian Programme for Iraq, Kuwait and the Iraq/Iran and Iraq/Turkey Border Area to continue coordination with the appropriate specialized agencies in order to ensure the continuation of and to consolidate essential services to Iraqi refugees and displaced persons;

8. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its forty-sixth session on the implementation of the present resolution.