RESOLUTION A3-0308/92

Resolution on Afghan refugees

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the motion for a resolution by Mr Stevenson and others on the plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan (B3-0214/90),

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Development and Cooperation (A3-0308/92),

A. bearing in mind the contribution made by the people of Pakistan and Iran to the hosting of an estimated six million refugees from Afghanistan during the last ten years,

B. considering the massive support of the international community in providing additional aid for the refugee population,

C. recognising the efforts of the staff of specialised agencies such as the UNHCR on the one hand, and of non-governmental organisations on the other, who have greatly contributed to an easing of suffering by responding to pressing humanitarian demands,

D. whereas there is a desire on the part of the new government of Afghanistan to repatriate Afghanistan refugees, even though the internal conflict has not been completely resolved, and heavy fighting has once again broken out in and around Kabul which undermines the chances for peace,

E. given the current estimates for voluntary repatriation for 1992 which amount to between 700 000 and 1 million persons, according to the UNHCR, returning from either Pakistan or Iran,

F. whereas the war is said to have caused more than 1 million casualities and destroyed virtually all of Afghanistan's hospitals, schools, and other infrastructure within the country,

G. whereas irrigation and canal building are crucial for the development of the rural economy which is largely based on agriculture,

H. bearing in mind the enormous difficulties created by the existence of millions of anti-personnel mines scattered around the country which continue to maim and kill people,

I. taking account of the lack of administrative structures within Afghanistan which hampers rehabilitation efforts,

J. whereas the financial needs of the UNHCR are now estimated at 63 million dollars for the repatriation programme in 1992,

1. Urges the government of Afghanistan and the Supreme Leadership Council to engage in a special effort aimed at national reconciliation, involving all sectors of the Afghan population;

2. Requests the Commission to respond favourably to the increased requirements of the UNHCR and NGOs operating in Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan and urges the Council to recognise the need for additional resources in the Community budget which must be devoted to refugee and other humanitarian objectives;

3. Considers that resource planning for Afghan refugees by the European Community must maintain due regard for short-term care and maintenance programmes as well as for longer-term development objectives, as mentioned in the explanatory statement contained in report A3-0308/92;

4. Urges the Commission to recognise that decision-making on projects submitted by NGOs is still unnecessarily long and that delays in decision-making may undermine project viability and credibility;

5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Government of Afghanistan.