integration of immigrants into new societies position paper

7/29/2019 Integration of Immigrants Into New Societies Position Paper

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Hong Kong Model United Nations 2013 GA SOCHUM

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Forum: General Assembly Social, Humanitarian and Cultural CommitteeIssue: Integration of Refugees into New Societies

Chair: Tiffany Chung

Rapporteur: Michael Xu


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Table of Contents

Angola 3Argentina .5Brazil ..6Germany ......7 Georgia .....8India ...9 Iran ..........11Israel ...........12Japan 13 Kenya ......14 Kuwait ...............16Libya ...........18Malaysia ...............19

Morocco ....... .22Palestine Liberation Organization (observer) ......23 Philippines ......25 Russia ............27Saudi Arabia ...28 South Korea ....29 Switzerland ...................30Syria ...............32Turkey .......33Uganda ..........35Ukraine ....................36

United Kingdom .....................37


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Angola

Relevant Documents on Refugees in the U.N.

The 1951 Refugee Convention, establishing the UNHCR, spells out that a refugee

is someone who "owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of

race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political

opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to, or owing to

such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country." The

1967 protocol also stated and explained the status of refugees.

Refugee Crisis in Angola.

As recently as a decade ago, Angola remained primary source countries for

refugees. The resumption of full-scale civil war in Angola in the latter half of

1998 not only halted the repatriation of Angolans from neighboring states, which

was underway, but saw fresh movements out of that country. In December 1998the United Nations estimated that about 330 000 Angolans were internally

displaced and had registered 255 000 as refugees primarily in Zambia, the

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congo-Brazzaville and Namibia. The

number of monthly registrations of new Angolan refugees steadily increased

from July 1998. Angola hosted about 12,100 refugees and 2,900 asylum seekers

at year's end. The largest group of refugees was 11,400 from the Democratic

Republic of Congo (Congo-Kinshasa), who mostly arrived in the 1970s. It is likely

there were more refugees among the estimated 400,000 Congolese living in

northern Angola, but there had never been a complete formal registration and

births and deaths often went unrecorded.

Steps to Reintegration.

1. Physical protection: UNHCR began but could not complete a comprehensive

formal registration exercise of all refugees and asylum seekers in Angola, which

it hoped to attempt again in 2008.

2. Freedom of Movement and Residence: Angola's 1994 Law on the Legal Regime

of Foreigners granted foreigners freedom of movement and residence.

3. Right to earn a livelihood: Refugees can enjoy the protection of Angolan labor

legislation, under the assistance of some organizations.

4. Public relief and education: Following UNHCR's 2005 handover of the schools

in Viana refugee camp to Angola, both Angolan and refugee children attendedthem.

Strategies by U.N.

1. Scaling up voluntary repatriation

2. Providing assistance packages to help former refugees reintegrate

3. Securing an alternative legal status that would allow them to continue to

reside in countries of asylum. Cessation clauses are built into the 1951 Refugee

Convention and the 1969 Organization of African Unity Refugee Convention.

They allow refugee status to end once fundamental and durable changes have

taken place in the country of origin and the circumstances that led to their flight

no longer exist. That is the case in all three countries of origin, Angola, Rwandaand Liberian and UNHCR has recommended that cessation of refugee status


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apply for Angolan refugees who fled the country as a result of the conflicts

between 1961 and 2002; Liberian refugees who fled the civil wars between 1989

and 2003; and for Rwandan refugees who fled between 1959 and 1998.


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Argentina

Argentina is in full support to integrate refugees into our society and

recognizes the integration of refugees into new societies as an urgent problem

that needs to be addressed immediately. The root of the problem lies in security

problems and resource burdens, which result in inadequate recognition of

refugees. Host countries often blame refugees for the pre-existing social or

economics problems, such as the rise of criminal activities and street

prostitution. Although these claims may not be backed by substance, such claims

can result in policies against local integration and local resentment towards

refugees. In many cases, refugees live in camps that are unsafe and

unsatisfactory, with few means to support or educate themselves. Refugees are

often neglected by the local government and are not granted full asylum, refugee

status, permanent residency and other human and civil rights. They bypass

official assistance and find ways to self-settle amongst the local population.Argentina has been a member of UNHCRs Executive Committee since

1979 and it has demonstrated interest in protecting human rights and solving

refugee issues. Argentina itself receives about 1,000 refugees from 35 different

countries: Columbia, Peru, Cuba, Eastern European and African countries and

has been making steady progress in handling refugee issues over the past

decade. It expanded its refugee committee and adopted a more efficient

procedure to handle refugee documents. In 2005, Argentinas Congress passed alaw that provides a very solid framework for the full exercise of refugees rights.It guarantees the processing of asylum claims in a reasonable timeframe,

facilitates access to documentation, education, health and employment. It has

special provisions for refugee women, children and victims of violence. The

adoption of the migration law recognizes the right to migrate and guarantees

equal access to the public health and education system to all migrants regardless

of their migratory status. It also multiplies the possibilities for migrants and

persons of concern to be granted temporary and/or permanent right of legal

residence in the country.

Furthermore, since 2005, Argentina has coordinated a resettlement

program for Columbian refugees with HIAS and UNHCR. The Argentine

authorities issue legal documentation that allowed refugees to stay and work in

Argentina immediately. In every city, refugee families are assisted by a teacher, a

social worker and a psychologist to facilitate smoother integration process.Already, 101 refugees have been resettled in Argentina. All children are enrolled

in school, and the majority of adults have integrated into the job market.

Argentina will take on an active stance to integrate refugees into the

international society. Argentina will cooperate with UNHCR and various NGOs to

entitle refugees their basic rights, identity and welfare. This delegation will also

devise a program to blend refugees into new societies and strive to eliminate

discrimination and biases against refugees. Argentina urges all states to join her

to advocate refugee rights and solve refugee issues. Argentina has proved that

solving refugee problems is not difficult as long as there is support from UNHCR

and NGOs. We strongly encourage all member states to distinguish all

stereotypes on refugees and restore their entitled rights and freedom.


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Brazil

Although Brazil treated refugees to migrants in the period of World War

II, and prevented non-European refugees to have find their asylum in Brazil in

1950s, they started to gradually accept the roles of refugees, and moreover,

Brazil helped them a lot. And now, Brazil is one of the greatest country that has a

big influence to UN and to the world.

Brazil started to recognize refugees at the time period of 1990s, this act is

called The 1997 Brazilian Refuges Act, which was made by the President inBrazil, Fernando Henrique Cardoso. President Cardoso stated, due to severe andgeneralized violation of human rights, he or she is compelled to leave his or her

country of nationality to seek refuge in a different country. They gave refugeesrights to enjoy the association and paid employment the Brazil. The results of

this made more people to find asylum in Brazil, where they can enjoy life better

compare to their previous shelter.Brazils 1997 Refugee Law welcomes people who is in danger, or well -

founded fear of persecution outside the country to seek asylum in Brazil. Brazil

starts to offer people to come to their country and settle there. Providing them

with support as much as they can, to let them feel safe and secure to live in there.

In recent years, Brazil starts to actively support the UN and give

assistance for the problems about refugees. For example, in 2010, Brazil has

donate $3.2 million as the largest donation ever in the UNHCRs history. Thesefunds helped refugees in counties such as Sri Lanka, Haiti, Ecuador, Iran, and

Iraq. It granted refugees to have education and food. Brazil has one of the mostadvanced legislations in the world on refugees, has welcomed citizens of more

than 50 countries, and is now becoming one of the biggest donors to UNHCR,Mr. Amorim noted. Brazil is now very well known for giving a big help to the UN.

Brazils goal referring to the problem of refugees would be to strengthentheir resettlement program, and also policies for the rights of the refugees. Brazil

believes that every countries should try and give support to refugees, as the

numbers are getting larger in some places. They should try to detect people in

need for help and protection. And finally, Brazil wants countries to give equal

rights to them, especially for refugee women to gain more recognition.


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Germany

Although German is not one of the most culturally diverse nations of

Europe, nonetheless it is indeed a destination for foreign immigrants, frompeoples of poor socioeconomic background who leave their origin in search for

better opportunities. Here in Germany we are extremely tolerant of such

immigration and since the post WW2 years, we have seen annual immigration

figures steadily rising before reaching its peak in the 1990s. Germany has aethnic breakdown of 80% ethnic German and the 20% remaining comprises

mainly of Eastern European minorities comprising of a sizable Arab, Russian,

Turkish and Polish population which makes up around 10% of the total

population.

Due to our long standing commitment and adherence to the Geneva

conventions on Refugees, our homeland has been a popular destination and for

this we have had to create more stringent regulations to prevent overpopulatingwhich would create for us a shortage of resources and a reduction of economic

opportunities. Regardless, we continue to be one of the most popular refugee

destination for we recognize the maltreatment of individuals due to their race

and religious orientation and would place their cause on the same priority level

as that of political asylum seekers.

Our political structure allows for smooth integration given a general

understanding and basic proficiency in the German language, of course we leave

the choice of language to newly settled to decided but otherwise-Germany has

been renowned for its internationality and the prominence of several other

major world languages for many years now and we hope that our judicial andpolitical structure for immigration will be a model for other nations with similar

situations so that the world will realize a greater level of political equality.


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Georgia

As a country with strongly relevant history, Georgia understands the dire

situations most refugees, asylum seekers, IDPs and stateless people over the

world experiences. Despite our current populations of official refugees stands

relatively low, the high amount of IDPs gives us distinctive experience in

assisting misplaced population in general.

Base on the long standing cooperation between UNCHR, Georgia believes

the essential point General Assembly should address is the matter of creating

legal framework for nations worldwide to apply when integrating targeted

populations in terms of, and not limited to, refugees into mainstream society,

while securing their safety.

As of now, the current population of concern within the border of Georgia

is around 338.828 people, including refugees, asylum seekers, stateless people,

and mostly IDPs.The Georgian government through the last decade had taken several

strategies with sufficient result in improving the life of refugees from Chechen

and IDPs generated from conflict between South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

We believe it is vital to provide durable housing and accommodation to

secure sufficient need for refugees. While promotion of a sustainable income-

generating program for refugees to be self-sufficient is necessary as well.

Community participation works are established, such as vocational

training, teacher training, agricultural support and promotion of education for

children. It is also notable some descendent of Chechen refugee had obtained

university degree, while the so called refugee schools are closing as mostchildren of refugee are merging into local schools to decrease social segregation

and isolation.

Legal documentation of refugees, including birth registration for infant

and identity documents for adults are given. This becomes relatively efficient for

refugees to support related government ministries in participating the process of

improving their own lives.

Meanwhile, aside the fact it is undeniable refugees need to be able to

access basic medical care, we discover psychological care is especially needed as

result shows many IDPs and refugees likewise suffer from decreasing mental

health due to the constant unstable experience.

Actions are also taken to assure security of the community from violenceby establishing assessment among members of community and providing hot-

line services. A safe house is also created in some region to proved shelter for

children, women, disadvantaged group and especially single handed mothers, for

emergencies such as gender based violence.

In conclusion, Georgia is interested in support positions that incorporate

sufficient legal frameworks that not just improve the lifestyles of refugees and

similar groups likewise (asylum seekers, IDPs, stateless people), but most

importantly to integrate into mainstream society of host society as safely and

efficiently as possible. We must stress actions taken that can potentially enhance

situations such as social segregation, cultural conflict or even political strand are

not desirable.


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India

Refugees are intrinsically an integral part of society and have a lot to

contribute as a legitimate social function. It is regrettable that in this day and

age, relatively little marked progress has been seen in trying to reintegrate

refugees into society. Often they are alienated, an unfortunate result of generally

negative attitudes towards them. Even in developed nations like Germany and

France, anti-immigration views, let alone them being accepted as legalmembers of society, permeate to the political level, with far-right groups

garnering much support for vehemently opposing Muslim immigrants. In India,

on the national level, there have been concerns relating to the unstable military

conditions in the state of Assam, where clashes have caused an internal exodus

of at least 400000 villagers. On the international level, millions of migrants flood

in from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Tibet, looking for

sanctuary.

It is Indias belief that national governments have the responsibility todirectly intervene in the introduction of refugees residing in a new country,

especially in terms of providing financial assistance and accommodating them.

One must recognize that most refugees are from underprivileged backgrounds,

and that a policy of immediate self-reliance will not bring any results.

India has always worked closely with UNHCR, pointing towards

accommodating refugees and the provision of better living standards. India has

provided long-term solutions, like legal assistance and work visas/work permits.

India will also continue her Community-based Development Program, an

educational and developmental program championed by local NGOs and UNHCR.

India will also do her best in seeking to repatriate those who wish to do so.

Indias budget for refugee protection and related affairs was US$7.5m last year.The difficulties of these displaced individuals should be of concern.

Bureaucratic red tape and problems in localizing must be dealt with. India would

like to commend the UNHCRs work in her refugee camps as regards legal andfinancial assistance, and would like its work to be applied wherever possible.

Free education is vital in any attempt in the reintegrating of displaced

individuals (DIs). Particular emphasis must be directed to localization, especially

when resettlement in their home countries will not be possible in the near

future. On the other spectrum of the educational system, the general public

should be advised of the legitimacy of refugees and public information sessions

should be held to avoid any of the misconceptions about these DIs that may havearisen. It is important that local councils do their best in ensuring that both

parties cooperate and jointly go forward towards harmonization. Notably,

employers must understand their duty to maintain this fine balance by providing

work opportunities for these DIs, or for the state to adopt voluntary

employment.

Also necessary is equality in societal regard. This must be administered in

two fronts; firstly, against discrimination in employment and secondly, in gender

equality. Women who are urban refugees are particularly likely to face

challenges coping with the new environments; these problems are existent even

here in India. There is a need to make sure that gender equality is promoted and

not kept by the conservative societies that these refugees may have come fromor have gone to.


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Ultimately, we would all like to see that every citizen of the world leads a

happy and healthy life. If political crises and civil strife can be diminished,

hierarchal dominions and dictatorial suppression abolished, then there would

not have been refugees in the first place. However, this worldly peace is far

beyond the limited scope of todays possibilities. Therefore, India would like to

repeat the message to the international community that so long as these DIs haveto face exodus, then nations with the economic means to accept them should

accommodate them with open arms.


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Iran

Integration of refugees into the host country has always been a challenge

for every state over the globe, in particular countries in Africa and the Middle-

East. At present, the Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the countries holding the

most refugees. The recent social instability and economic downturn highlights

the urgency for all nations to acknowledge and cope with the issue. The

challenge is to assist refugees achieving integration, which is paramount to social

harmony and the reestablishment of refugees. With the co-operation with the

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Pakistan and UNHCR, the Islamic Republic of

Iran, has in the past participated, and is still continuing her participation in

numerous projects assisting refugees, for example extending a health insurance

scheme.

With respect to UNHCR as a model, the Solutions Strategy for Afghan

Refugees as a road map, the Islamic Republic of Iran points to durable,

sustainable resolutions. Considering the long-term benefits for both the hostcountry and refugees, we propose the following two measures: 1) facilitating and

enhancing voluntary repatriation; 2) assistance in integrating. The Islamic

Republic of Iran would like to emphasize that both measures are conducted in

accord to the refugees will; the refugees are offered the freedom to decide.If one preferred voluntary repatriation, believing that there were better future

prospects in their countries, we would respect it. At the same time, adequate

assistance would be provided--- UNHCR would follow up and help them

reintegrating into the society. Moreover, to facilitate voluntary repatriation

successfully, nations ought to co-operate with each other, keeping up with the

updated news regarding the conditions of refugees and countries themselves.

On the other hand, for refugees continuing their stay, they would as well

receive corresponding assistance from the host country. These measures would

be aiming at establishing self-reliance and achieving social harmony.

Firstly, basic needs are the fundamentals of quality life. In order to assist

refugees integrating, basic needs must first be fulfilled, intensifying their social

safety nets. The Islamic Republic of Iran asks member states to take initiative to

improve community services and infrastructure, especially in the aspects of

health and food security, which are in urgent need.

Secondly, when tackling a problem regarding identity, a legal framework is

crucial. We strongly support issuing working, or better, residence permits to

refugees. Not only can this offer an acknowledgement of citizenship, but alsoenables them to have a chance of reestablishment.

Last but not least, education is a pivotal component of integration. The

Islamic Republic of Iran suggests offering education to refugees, to both adults

and youngsters. Through education, tolerance could be promoted. In other

words, difference in lifestyle and culture would be embraced. Moreover, the

language barrier that impedes basic integration can be broken down too.

All in all, the Islamic Republic of Iran totally understands refugees within

a new country often experience difficult adjustment problems, and thus propose

the mentioned measures to offer assistance, hoping to help them establish self-

reliance and achieve social harmony.


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Israel

In 2008, there were 4,000 Sudanese refugees in Israel, 1,200

from Darfur and the remainder Christians from South Sudan, because of the

Sudanese civil wars. Since 2006 60,000 people have crossed the Egyptian border

and into Israel. Israel played a great part in helping to define refugees and their

rights in the 1951 convention. Israel is currently making preparations to Syrian

Alawi refugees. Because Israel is in a war-plagued region, many refugees seek

asylum in Israel which has been causing an economic issue internally but also as

a Jewish state it is important to keep the native majority. To control the

inconsistent influx of refugees into the nation Israel enacted an Infiltration Lawin 2011. Israel feels that it is important to help refugees in need however they

should not be introduced into an unstable economy nor a country that isnt in astate to host them. Sometimes emergency asylum is needed and for those cases

Israel agrees that it is of great importance for the refugees to have somewhere to

go.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darfurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Sudanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Sudanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darfur


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Japan

Japan has played a key role in the leadership in the humanitarian field in

the region and around the world, due to its approach to human security

commonly being regarded as progressive, imbued with liberal internationalist

commitment. The Japanese government has been offering to refugees and

internally displaced persons constructive conditions and a long-term solution.

When it established the resettlement pilot project in December 2008, with the

Government becoming something of a pioneer in terms of the Asia region, it took

another considerable step towards providing refugees residing in Mae La

refugee camp in Thailand with a good opportunity at living in safety and dignity.

The total figure of refugees and internally displaced persons under the

protection and assistance of the UNHCR and the UNRWA reached approximately

42.30 million as of 2009. As stated on the website of the ministry of Foreign

Affairs of Japan, refugees and internally displaced persons around the world

continue to be not only of humanitarian concern but also involve issues thatcould undermine the peace and stability of the concerned regions and the entire

world. This is why Japan, looking on events from the perspective of human security, places humanitarian assistance for refugees and internally displaced

persons at a very high level of its international contribution, leading them to

provide active support through many international organizations and extends

support to Japanese NGOs involved in humanitarian assistance. In response

to the mass outflow of Indo-Chinese (originating from Vietnam, Laos and

Cambodia) in the late 1970s, Japan acceded to the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees on October 3, 1981, and then to the Protocol Relating to the

Status of Refugees on January 1, 1982. Every contract came into force the day it

was granted. In agreeing to the installation of said treaties, Japan amended the

Immigration Control Order to establish a recognition system for refugee status

and changed the title to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition, which

came into force in January 1982. People identified as refugees are given the

same benefits under the social security system provided to Japanese citizens and

other foreign nationals. Moreover, recognized refugees also enjoy protection

relating to entry into, departure from, and staying in Japan.

Japan, being one of the most advanced countries in terms of reintegration

of refugees, has already established a well-built relationship with the UNHCR. In

the year 2012, the government of Japan the UNHCR joined hands to implement

the pilot resettlement project, and support the setting up of a full-fledgedprogramme. Furthermore, it will encourage for the greater involvement of civil

society and local communities in assisting resettled refugees into local

communities. In addition, UNHCR has also undertaken a wide range of

awareness-raising activities in partnership with the Japanese national

association, including collaborative internship programmes and public events,

for example the Refugee Film Festival. Through these activities, the strategic

partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency and Japanese NGOs

will become stronger than ever.

Japan was one of the first to open its arms to refugees seeking asylum.

Furthermore, Japan also became one of the first Asian countries to offer the

protection and benefits that refugees needed and craved, turning itself into ashining example of a country very much accepting of foreign cultures.


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Kenya

Settlement and reintegration of refugees have always been a key issue in

the United Nations SOCHUM committee and the Republic of Kenya has been

contributing to the debates with a high degree of involvement. At present, the

Republic of Kenya is the host country of more than 559,000 refugees from

various countries and the number is expected to grow. The Republic of Kenya

has currently two of the largest refugee camps in the world, the Dadaab and

Kakuma refugee camp, providing significant support to refugees. The

government of Kenya is therefore setting up more refugee camps to satisfy the

increasing demand and understands the importance of reintegrating refugees

into the society. However, with the rising number of refugees, the government of

Kenya faces social and economic problems that hinder the governments attemptin implementing such policies. The government of Kenya has been providing

refugees in the nation with basic necessities, such as food and shelter, and

assistance through the Department of Refugee Affairs which has consumed alarge percentage of the nations resources. The further influx of refugees placesfinancial burden on the government which is constantly trying to support the

basic needs of refugees. Consequently, scarce resources lead to low living

standards in camps, relying on the assistance of NGOs. The government of Kenya

is anxious about the settlement of current and future refugees entering the

territory and is also concerned about the reintegration of refugees which at the

current stage is not carried out effectively. The Republic of Kenya believes that

the core elements of the problems are the rising number of refugees and the lack

of resources. The drain on resources caused by building and maintaining refugee

camps is even threatening the quality of life of the local civilians. Furthermore,

the government recognizes the root of the problem as the instability of nearby

African countries. For example, asylum-seekers from Somalia, where human

rights are abused and civilians are physically harmed, are the majority among

the refugees within the nation; series of natural disasters also contribute to the

large influx of people into Kenya.

Kenya being a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Convention, the 1967

Protocol and the 1969 Organization of African Union Convention, continues to

offer protection and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers by establishing

the Department of Refugee Affairs, under the Refugees Act 2006. The

government department provides services such as registration of asylum-

seekers, maintaining an appropriate registration and documentation system forrefugees and issuing identification cards to refugees. The Refugee Act 2006,

passed by Kenyan national legislative body, strengthens the nations protectionof refugees and is very well-perceived by the majority of refugees. The

governments current refugee policy requires all refugees and asylum-seekers tostay at the refugee camps assigned due to the safety and security concerns. Other

than refugees in camps, the government also recognizes the growing number of

refugees in urban areas who faces sever social problems, such as poverty and

discrimination. The Republic of Kenya, however, falls short of the urban

refugees demand for protection and assistance due to limited resources and thelack of legal recognition of them.

The Republic of Kenya is hoping for improvement in the protection andreintegration of refugees. In the coming SOCHUM conference, the delegation of


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Kenya will be seeking for advice and practical assistance to the nation which

could be beneficial to the wellbeing of refugees in Kenya. The delegation is

determined to improve the living standards of refugees by resolving the issue

from its root. Firstly, the delegation would like to call upon the neighbouring

African countries to stabilise the internal political and social conditions in order

to reduce the export of asylum-seekers. Secondly, the delegation would like toask for funding and resources from other member states in order to maintain

good living conditions in camps and develop programmes to reintegrate refugees

into the society. It is unfortunately true that the government focuses on the

protection and settlement of refugees rather than implementing policies to

reintegrate refugees. Therefore, through funding and resources allocation, the

government would have sufficient capital to carry out the required measures.

The delegation strongly believes the problem of the lack of resources and

growing number of asylum-seekers must be resolved before the reintegration of

refugees should be carried out. The Republic of Kenya believes through

international cooperation and coordination, the issue can be eased globally.


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Kuwait

A. Background of the TopicFrom UNHCR: The Middle East subregion is marked by extreme volatility. The

civil unrest in the Syrian Arab Republic (Syria) poses a danger to the stability of

neighbouring countries: it has led to the massive displacement of civilians

including over 350,000 refugees. In addition, other refugee situations, such as

that of the Iraqis in exile and the flow of Somalis into Yemen, show no signs of

ending. For UNHCR, in 2013 it will be even more difficult to protect and assist

the growing numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the

region. But it is still difficult for most refugees to achieve integration and

acknowledgement of citizenship or official refugee status in host countries.

In your country's opinion, what are the main elements of the problem?The main elements of the problem are that the people escaping from neighboring

countries that are involved in conflict are becoming refugees that are having ahard time to adapt in the new country and society. In Kuwaits instance, theproblem we are facing is that displacement of more than 190 000 Syrian

refugees into Kuwait and neighboring countries such as Lebanon triggered by

the civil war.What are the roots of those elements?The roots of the problems lies mainly in the extreme volatility in the Middle East.

Civil unrest, religious conflicts and various types of violence poses a danger to

the stability in the region, and has led to massive displacement of civilians. Most

of these refugees come from Palestine, which is exchanging constant attacks with

Israel; and recently Lebanon and Syria, both suffering from bitter civil wars. Thesituation is heightened with the revolutionary wave of demonstrations, protests

and wars occurring in the Arab world since December 2010.What actions have been previously taken?Kuwait has sent supply aids to nearby countries that are affected by the inflow of

the large number of refugees, for example in Northern Lebanon. At the start of

the year 2013, we have delivered supplies that would hopefully cover the needs

of some 12,000 Syrian families displaced in Northern Lebanon. Kuwait would

continue to provide assistance to and care to their fellow Syrian brothers to ease

some of their suffering.

B. Position taken by your delegationWhat are your national interests in the situation?Reintegration of refugees is one of our priorities in humanitarian duties, due to

the large influx of refugee population from neighboring countries. We

acknowledge that refugees should have their rights safeguarded. We are

concerned of their social status, especially having lost their homeland and are

trying to adapt to our society. Furthermore, seeing them as our Arab brothers,

we equally value their presence in Kuwait, which ultimately, they are able to

contribute a significant amount of workforce to the country.


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What are your nation's policies on the topic?Our nations main policy is to offer them jobs. Most of the refugees are peoplewho are low-skilled or uneducated. To utilize them, we offer them labor jobs that

does not require higher skill levels. About 80% of the labor force in Kuwait

consistently comprises non-Kuwaitis since 1975, improving the production andeconomy of our country. From another perspective, it is also a process of

integrating them into the new society by giving them opportunities in the society

to earn a living and to ultimately work their way up.C. Proposal and JustificationWhat will you propose as a solution to solve the problem? In order to solve the problem of the massive population of refugees in the middle

east and in other parts of the world, we propose to implement our nationscurrent policy into other countries that are dealing with the similar problem: to

reintegrate the refugees by them offering jobs and opportunities, providing them

a way to move up from the bottom of the spectrum in a new society.What are your main reasons for supporting this position?By offering jobs to refugees, not only the country will benefit from extra work

force, the refugees themselves will also find a new direction in life and see that

there is hope for them to live and move up in the society provided that they work

hard. Overall, this is a win-win solution.What do you predict will be the main opposition to your proposals? We expect the opponents to our proposals will be criticizing our policy in the

expulsion of Palestinians from Kuwait in 1991. Our opponents will probablypoint to us as hypocrites. It is therefore important note that before the PLO

supported Iraqs invasion, we offered Palestinian refugees work and pay.However, our decision in expelling the Palestinian workers was solely a protest

in response to the PLO supporting Iraqs cause for invading us, and has norelation with this topic.


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Libya

Libya would like to take this international platform to address the issue of

refugees settling into new societies. Libya strongly relates to this issue for

currently, even after the fall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, we are still

undergoing fighting from extreme Islamic militia groups. An estimate 200,000

people have been internally displaced, and more than 4,384 people are currently

refugees residing in foreign countries. As Libya finds a transitional government,

the process of democratic voting remains under pressure, for to take part, blood

is the payment.

The post-conflict transition in Libya is expected to open significant new

opportunities to further maintain human rights and the law. Determined to rise

to a better nation, we hope to work with other countries to create ties to solve

our countrys current problems, and in the future will be able to requite the aid.We strongly urge all member states to collaborate and ensure peaceful

coexistence between communities where the refugees and asylum seekersreside. Let us continue in bilateral action through consensus to achieve

everyones goal of amalgamating refugees amicably.


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Malaysia

Background of the Topic

Malaysia is not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention nor its Protocol and

does not have an asylum system regulating the status and rights of refugees. The

absence of a legal framework on asylum issues is a source of great

unpredictability in the lives of refugees in the country. This challenging

protection environment is placed within a context of some 3 million migrants,

1.9 million of whom are considered illegal.

Malaysian law makes no distinction between refugees and undocumented

migrants. Refugees are vulnerable to arrest for immigration offences. They may

be subject to detention, prosecution, whipping and deportation. National NGOs

have little capacity to support asylum-seekers and refugees, while international

NGOs are unable to operate in the country.

However, there have been some positive developments in 2010 and the

first quarter of 2011. These have included the emergence of opportunities forUNHCR to present proposals to the Government for the establishment of a legal

and administrative framework for the management of asylum, and the provision

of assistance to refugees. UNHCR was also able to advocate with the Government

for the latter to allow refugees the right to work, as well as to improve their

access to education and health care. Finally, UNHCR has continued to encourage

the Government to become a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its

1967 Protocol. The Government has indicated that it is currently considering

these proposals.

While cooperation with the Government of Malaysia has steadily

improved, the absence of a legal protection framework and weaknesses in the

administrative structure for asylum have caused many people of concern to

remain at risk. With limited State resources to call on in support of refugees,

UNHCR Malaysia continues to fulfil its mandate responsibilities for registration

and refugee status determination (RSD). It also continues to monitor detention

facilities, and works to secure the release of refugees, while supporting health,

education and community self-reliance programmes, and promoting durable

solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers.

The situation is particularly difficult for refugee children. In spite of the

Government of Malaysia having signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child

which obligates the Government to ensure education for all primary-aged

children in Malaysia, no refugee children are allowed to attend Governmentschools. Of the 20,000 refugee children in Malaysia, 12,000 of them are school-

aged. What education is available is provided by UNHCR in partnership with the

refugee communities and NGO partners. At present only 7,000 refugee children

are participating in the existing, very basic education programmes that are

available.

No significant change is foreseen in the situation of populations of

concern to UNHCR in Malaysia. UNHCR's estimates of some 15,000 new arrivals

in the country in 2012 are based on average yearly arrivals of asylum-seekers,

and the prevailing situations in refugee-producing countries.


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Position taken by Our Delegation

UNHCR's people of concern in Malaysia comprises a large population of

urban refugees, smaller groups of stateless people, and Filipino refugees in

Sabah. Refugees and asylum-seekers in urban areas are those of highest concern

to UNHCR in the country. Most refugees are unlikely to find durable solutions in

Malaysia, although several stateless groups and the Filipino refugees in Sabahenjoy some degree of integration, and stand better chances of obtaining

permanent residency or citizenship.

The lack of legal protection in Malaysia means that urban refugees face

grave protection risks on a daily basis. The refugee population in Malaysia also

includes a large number of Muslims from Myanmar's northern Rakhine State,

who are considered both refugees and stateless. However, we have already

provided them employment, education and minimum wage, if were to sign theUN convention, we would be compelled to treat the refugees better than our

people.

Proposal and Justification

Fair protection processes and documentation

Access to and quality of RSD procedures are improved.

RSD procedures are consistent with international standards. 90 per cent of people of concern have access to status determination

procedures.

Asylum-seekers are notified of the result of their application within70 days of the first interview, and within 110 days of the submission of an

appeal.

Basic needs and essential servicesThe health status of the population of concern is improved.

75 per cent of people of concern have access to primary health care.The population of concern has optimal access to education.

10 per cent of the population of concern aged 12-17 is enrolled insecondary school.

85 per cent of the population of concern aged 6-11 is enrolled inprimary school.

Community participation and self-management

Self-reliance and livelihoods are improved.

40 per cent of the population of concern aged 18-59 is self-employedfor more than 12 months.

Community mobilization is strengthened and expanded.

10 per cent of leadership/management structures are headed bywomen.

The working relationship between UNHCR and the Malaysian

Government has continued to improve, with constructive engagement in a

variety of areas, including the recognition of UNHCR documentation, and

improved access to refugees in immigration detention. However, many other

areas, including the access of people of concern to employment, and bettereducation and health care, still require improvement.


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Given the current absence of a legislative and administrative framework

to protect refugees, and the non-involvement of the Government in receiving and

processing people of concern, UNHCR will continue to register asylum-seekers,

undertake RSD and issue identity documents. Registration will cover the

remaining unregistered asylum-seekers in the country, as well as new arrivals.

UNHCR will continue to intervene in order to prevent the arrest, detention andrefoulement of people of concern, as well as to secure their release where

necessary.

UNHCR will seek resettlement for the majority of the refugee population

in Malaysia. At the same time, it will advocate with the Government for

temporary, local solutions in the form of residence and work permits for groups

of Muslim refugees from Myanmar's northern Rakhine State. To diversify

resettlement to a range of resettlement countries, including newly emerging

ones, UNHCR will promote fair and balanced resettlement opportunities for

various ethnic groups from Myanmar and other countries. UNHCR will also

continue to help its partners to provide humanitarian assistance to people of

concern in the areas of basic needs and access to essential services, with a

particular focus on health, education, community development and self-reliance.

Furthermore, UNHCR will advocate with the Government of Malaysia at

national and local levels, to ensure that the Filipino Muslims in Sabah and other

stateless populations are allowed to remain in the country. It will mobilize civil

society groups to gain a better understanding of the situation, and identify any

potential for change. If sufficient funding becomes available, UNHCR will

progressively increase its activities in Sabah towards strategic targets.

UNHCR Malaysia's operational strategy will require strong cooperation

with partners. Contributions from civil society and NGOs, the Malaysian

Government and the refugee communities themselves will be central in theshared effort. At the operational level, given the large numbers of urban refugees

and asylum-seekers, refugee communities are expected to be crucial partners in

a sustained community development effort to address the wide array of

protection and assistance needs.


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Morocco

The integration of refugees is a process in which parties concerned must

put substantial effort to ensure that no conflicts arise. The host country must

also help the refugees adapt to the host society without having to forego their

own cultural identity. However, there are a number of cases where newcomers

in a society have lost their cultural traditions and values. In order to protect

invaluable traditions, parties involved must take this process in an earnest

manner. The process of integration is challenging and gradual but economic,

social and cultural factors are important for the refugees ability to integratesuccessfully and become new members of that society.

The Kingdom of Morocco is fully committed to supporting integration of

refugees. For more than thirty years, Morocco has seen the Sahrawi people living

in the desolate Algerian Sahara. They are people exiled from their native

Western Sahara, which is now currently the southern part of Morocco. In recent

years, some of the population has chosen to return to the Western Sahara. Thenumber of refugees has been drastically increasing for the past few years. For

this reason, the United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)

has been offering various programs that have been a substantial helping hand in

order for this process to run smoothly. Morocco will continue to invest in areas

such as improving infrastructure. Morocco and USCRI will continue to assist the

Sahrawi people to establish new lives and become active members in their new

community.

Similar to the case mentioned above, The Kingdom of Morocco will work

together with any organizations that are willing to assist refugees. Morocco is

aware that the issue of refugees reintegrating into societies is a topic that deeply

influences universal human rights. Furthermore, Morocco will assist other

refugees outside of Morocco if assistance is required. Morocco has a long

tradition of allowing refugees and migrants to settle in our country. Morocco has

ratified all the major international treaties, including the 1951 UN Refugee

Convention and its Protocol in 1967.

The Kingdom of Morocco suggests that the term stateless person, definedin the 1954 UN Convention, may somewhat lead to causing problems when

refugees integrate. This is because defining a person stateless is essentially the

same as discriminating those that do not have homes. Morocco believes that

discriminating these people can lead to issues of culture racial prejudice. As a

result of prejudice, Morocco has seen refugees suffer from environmentalisolation and lack of education as well as health care. In this way, redefining the

term will help reduce these prejudice views that people have towards newly

integrated refugees. The Kingdom of Morocco looks forward to support nations

with recommendations and ideas that will help all integration of refugees.


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Palestine Liberation Organization (observer)

Despite attempts made by the United Nations to uphold peace and

stability, there were frequent instances of unrest within and among the Arabian

communities- for example due to territorial settlements and/ or religiousdisputes. This created vast populations of refugees that were forced to flee from

home and take up residency at a new location. PLO deems this problem

especially severe when disputes with fellow Arabian states, such as Israel are not

uncommon. The number of UNRWA registered Palestine refugees by January

2010 were high at 1,983,733 in Jordon. The 1948 Palestine war turned 85% of

the Palestinian population into refugees. The PLO strives to protect its former

citizens of Palestinian civil rights by the policy of Palestinian right of return and

most importantly, stresses upon our refugee population of attaining equal civil

rights as that of local citizens of the host countries, maintaining strict loyalty to

the principle of self- determination.

PLO is pleased to observe that nearly 2 million Palestinian refugees havetaken residence in refugee camps in West Gaza, Jordon etc., revealing a certain

degree of societal, political and economic integration. However, it has also come

to PLOs alarm that though the Jewish Agency promised to the UN before 1948that Palestinian Arabs would become full citizens of the State of Israel, however

in practice, citizenship is not granted to our refugee population. The denial to

integration into the society is also apparent when the Arab League openly

instructed Arabian states to deny citizenship to PLO refugees. Furthermore, PLO

refugees in Jordon are deprived of basic human rights, for instance being barred

from 73 job categories, the Lebanese healthcare system or acquisition of job and

land permits. In addition, PLO refugees in India similarly face hardship insearching for employment opportunities. PLO is highly concerned with such

situations and sees an urgent need further reiterate the principle of self-

determination as explicitly listed in Articles 1 and 55 of UN Charter 3. We believe

that Palestinian refugees should be guaranteed with the right to self-

determination and we take the deprivation of their basic human rights as a

discriminative offence to the Palestinian population at large. By enacting the

principle of self- determination, PLO refugees are given the right to pursue their

own callings accordingly as that of local citizens of the host countries, enabling a

larger degree of integration into their host communities be it from institutional

or socioeconomic perspectives. By imposing artificial restrictive measures

against PLO refugees, they are unable to decide their own courses of actions. Thisis an evident instance of violation of basic human rights, and the PLO sees an

urgent need to address such problem.

The PLO strives to protect our citizens rights by advocating the policy ofthe Rights of Return. Our claim is based on Article 13 of the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights, stating that "Everyone has the right to leave any

country including his own, and to return to his country". This policy is an

extension of the policy of self- determination and we welcome Palestinian

population abroad to return to their home state and reclaim their property and

assets accordingly. The PLO values the refugee population as an inherent part of

the PLO population and we insist on safeguarding the rights and freedoms of our

citizens.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Declaration_of_Human_Rightshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Declaration_of_Human_Rightshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Declaration_of_Human_Rightshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Declaration_of_Human_Rights


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Ultimately, the PLO parties to the policy of self- determination by

proposing the policy of the Rights of Return, exhibiting our extent in supporting

the retaining of basic human rights of our citizens. The PLO has always been an

avid supporter and abider to all UN legations, including that of Article 1 of the

Universal Declaration of Human Rights All human beings are born free and equal

in dignity and rights. PLO looks forward to offering our support in any policiesassisting integration of refugees into new communities and playing our part in

upholding human egalitarianism and world harmony.


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Philippines

As a nation which upholds a humanitarian spirit, the Philippines believes

that human rights should be universal and should never be dependent on the

presence or absence of a person's nationality or his affinity to his country.

Refugee protection remains urgently needed by those forced to leave their

countries, amidst the realities of conflict, violence and persecution.

The Philippines views integration as a flexible and bidimensional process.

Successful integration into new societies requires not only the refugees'

adaptation to the host society but also the malleability and the capacity for

change of the host society for the reception and integration of new groups.

The Philippines has a long tradition of giving sanctuary to stateless people

and establishing legal mechanisms to regularize their status. The refugee agency

is also supporting the government to amend its nationality legislation to prepare

for accession to the 1961 Convention. The Philippines was one of the first 23

countries to sign the 1954 Convention before it closed for signature on 31 Dec1955, and has now ratified it to put it into effect.

The Philippines remains the only country in the Asia-pacific region that is

a signatory to the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol and with an

institutionalized refugee protection regime. The long-term goal is the

development of a working model that can be used to engage other states within

the region to accede to the 1951 Convention and to protect refugees in

accordance with international standards.

The Philippines was hailed by the UN refugee agency for being the first

country in the Asia-Pacific region to establish a procedure to protect both

refugees and stateless people. The Department of Justice of the Philippines

recently published a circular that enhanced its current system of determining

refugee status and put in place a procedure to ascertain whether a person is

stateless. The new procedure is an important step to ensure the Philippines

meets its obligations under the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of

Stateless Persons, which it ratified last year, the first ASEAN (Association of

South-east Asian Nations) member state to do so.

The new mechanism is a testament to the genuine humanitarian spirit in

the Philippines. This unified approach provides the widest possible protection

net for refugees and the stateless in the most effective way.

Refugees and stateless people are protected under Philippine law. With

the new procedure, there is a way to unify refugees with extended familymembers. Asylum-seekers have the right to a lawyer and interpreter during the

process, and they cannot be deported while undergoing the procedure, ensuring

respect for international law. Other safeguards to protect asylum-seekers and

refugees were integrated in the procedure, such as special measures for

unaccompanied children.

The Philippines believes that global legal instruments should be

established to explicitly cover the most important aspects of a refugees life.Refugees deserve, as a minimum, the same standards of treatment enjoyed by

other foreign nationals in a given country and, in many cases, the same treatment

as nationals. The country recognizes the international scope of the refugee

problem and the importance of international solidarity and cooperation in tryingto resolve them. It is the duty of the international community to ensure that all


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refugees are afforded equality and respect. The complete social, cultural and

economic integration of refugees, can only be done along with the acceptance

and inclusion of the important contribution brought by such a diverse group to

different levels of the society where it has taken refuge.


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Russia

Concerning the plight of refugees, Russia is aware of the challenges facing

their integration globally. Russia signed the Geneva Convention on the status of

refugees and has developed its own refugee law. Between 2003 and 2010, more

than 600,000 stateless people were naturalized in Russian Federation. However,

statelessness still remains an issue of concern throughout the sub-region, mainly

as a consequence of the disintegration of the former Soviet Union and the

difficulties facing national minorities seeking to prove their citizenship. Up to a

million people are still displaced in the Caucasus region. Russia intends to solve

problems pertaining to migration, especially labour migration. We believe the

Russian society has an obligation to integrate refugees and migrants; as they

cannot return to their countries out of fear and have the potential to contribute

to the Russian Federation. The Russian delegation is determined to find a

common solution to this universal problem and looks forward to working with

Federal Migration Service, the UNHCR and other nations in this committee inestablishing effective frameworks and passing resolutions that will see the

successful integration of refugees into societies


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Saudi Arabia

Armed conflicts, generalized violence and persistence violation of human

rights have long led to refugees seeking asylum in the developing world. In

todays social unrests and unstable transition phase in certain regions, morepeople will be forced to flee their homelands. Saudi Arabia is presently host to

291,000 refugees. The general conception of asylum seekers as financial burdenand confusion over refugees and illegal migrants create social tension in the host

country. In the face of possible economic and political strain faced by the

governments and racial and cultural discriminations, issues caused by the root

countries should instead be addressed.

Saudi Arabia is not a party to the 1951 Convention relating to the States of

Refugees or to its 1967 Protocol, nor the 1965 Casablanca Protocol concerning

Palestinian refugees. However, Article 42 of the Constitution provides that theState shall grant political asylum, if so required by public interest. Migrants with

residence permits would be allowed to apply for asylum and have access toeducation. Since September 1998, Saudi Arabia has accepted the UNHCR

procedure to carry out refugee status determination for individual asylum

seekers on its behalf.

Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia has been greatly concerned with the problem

of African refugees. The kingdom has, and will continue to, provide assistance in

money, medical supplies, foodstuffs and shelter.

In regards to integration of refugees into society, it is not a top priority of

Saudi Arabias authorities. It can only do as far to cure the symptoms of refugeeissues, but not the root causes for the high influx of refugees. Simply giving

migrants the tools to succeed and fit into the new society do not fully cure the

problems of refugee flow. Humanitarian action alone cannot resolve the

fundamental economic, social and political problems for the flight of asylum

seekers.

Effective approach to the protection of refugees can only be provided

when the underlying key problems of refugee movement are addressed, and in

this context, poverty and security. Granting identity of temporary asylum and

giving humane treatment would only encourage more refugees, leaving these

problems unaddressed and contribute to further deterioration. Establishment of

a reliable conflict resolution mechanism that could ensure stability in regions is

integral. Assistance to promote coexistence, if not quite yet for reconciliation, in

affected areas and rebuilding communities and lives should be encouraged,which includes devising ways to bring people together and to raise awareness on

the importance and the potential to create a socially harmonious society.


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South Korea

The Republic of Korea has been a signed patron of the 1951 Refugee

Convention since 1992, and has been granting citizenship ever since. We believe

all economically secure nations should be open to welcoming refugees, and that

refugees should work towards integration with the local culture and society. We

are the first East Asian nation to pass a Law on the Status and Treatment ofRefugees which shall be in full effect on July 1st, 2013. It provides a clear legal process by which refugees may register for resettlement into South Korea, a

guarantee of their human rights, and allows them to bear a legal status in our

nation whilst pending. We believe all countries should implement such policies

in accordance to Articles 13, 14, and 15, of the Declaration of Human Rights

which promise the rights to leave any country, seek and enjoy another countrys asylum from persecution, and change his nationality. Finally, welove our North Korean refugees. Bring em in! The more the merrier.


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Switzerland

Switzerland is an open-minded and tolerant nation and firmly believes and

promotes the idea of integration of refugees. In the field of foreign affairs

Switzerland remains neutral and greatly committed, The Swiss attaches great

importance to basic social values such as democracy, respect of the rule of law,

equality for men and women and religious tolerance. Switzerland understands

and respects that integration covers all efforts which serve to promote mutual

understanding between the Swiss and foreign populations: Living together on

the basis of shared fundamental values and behavior patterns and information

are central concerns. The process of integration requires both the foreign

nationals' readiness to be integrated and openness on the part of the Swiss

population. Integration aims at creating favorable conditions for equality of

opportunity regarding access to social and economic resources. Over the past

few decades, Switzerland which brought over thousands of guest workers

from southern Europe after World War II has also become home to a largepopulation from the Balkans, along with immigrants from Asia and Africa.

Many originally came to Switzerland seeking protection, in contrast to

Switzerland's other, more numerous foreign residents: present-day European

Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizens who came to

work in Switzerland either as guest workers or under a bilateral agreement that

since 2002 allows EU/EFTA citizens to live and work freely in the country (the

European Union has 27 Member States while EFTA has four including

Switzerland). In 2008, Switzerland had over 1.6 million foreign residents

according to official government statistics, or 21.4 percent of the country's total

population (foreign residents do not include naturalized immigrants but do

include those born in Switzerland to foreign-national parents). An average of

40,000 foreigners has naturalized each year since 2002.Foreigners' sizable

share of the population sets Switzerland apart from other European countries, as

does the makeup of this group. Of those 1.6 million foreign residents, 62.6

percent were from EU/EFTA countries, mainly Italy and Germany. Since

2001, the Confederation has made funds available to promote the integration of

foreign nationals. Interested parties who organize relevant projects and wish to

apply for federal funding may submit an application to the FCF. As a rule, such

funding is only granted provided that cantons, communes or third parties

adequately participate in the costs. For information about project funding, you

may also refer to the cantonal and communal integration agencies (foreignnational services) and / or integration delegates. Furthermore, the Swiss

Refugee Council was established in 1936 which is a non-governmental,

politically and religiously independent umbrella association of all important

Swiss relief organizations working for refugees and asylum seekers. The Swiss

Refugee Council is committed to the rights and protection of refugees in

Switzerland, it calls for fair refugee status determination procedures, refugee

integration and a return in conditions of safety and dignity. The country of origin

analysis unit is an independent research center and its activities include

researching individual query requests, publishing country reports, thematic

papers as well as policy papers in order to foster an objective and fair trail for

asylum seekers in Switzerland. Switzerland encourages all delegates to takepart and join the integration of refugees as it is giving people are given the


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accessible choice and dignity as an asylum seeker for further opportunities and a

second chance. Switzerland proposes clauses to be created to ensure the safety

and opportunity for refugees.


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Syria

The integration of immigrants into Syria, as well as the integration of

Syrian nationals overseas, while not of pressing concern towards the Republic,

are nonetheless important. The migrant population constitutes about 9.8% of the

total population; in recent years, the Republic has been promoting a policy of

reducing migration in Syria, and while conceding that not many significantly

constructive policies have been made, has not neglected the need to aid

immigrants to integrate, and has made it increasingly convenient for foreigners

to immigrate into Syria with the aid of overseas embassies; however, efforts to

integrate asylum-seekers have produced less evident positive results.

The Republic recognises the needs and benefits of smoothly integrating

immigrants into the local community, and the difficulties of immigrants in

establishing a livelihood without the aid of the government. The Republic is

willing to work with the UN to integrate immigrants, in accordance with existing

UN guidelines or new resolutions introduced insofar the Republic deems themreasonable and feasible.

The Republic suggests that the UN take measures to prevent lengthy or

troublesome application procedures for immigrants, as well as require member

states to implement or promote social programmes to aid the integration of

immigrants, and, in the long term, asylum-seekers into the community. The

Republic also proposes that member states are given guidelines and

requirements to fulfill according to their current state of development and

stability, since demanding that less-developed or war-torn countries implement

immigrant integrations within a short time period is likely to place unnecessary

burdens on their government; furthermore, more developed nation states can

provide positive precedents, as well as (and having sufficient resources and

ability to do so) aid in rectifying any inadequacies or inaccuracies.

The Republic also hopes that more religious tolerance can be introduced

into communities in which the majority of immigrants relocate into, in order to

further facilitate integration and minimise possible conflict. Syria, as a religiously

liberal and diverse country, believes that achieving greater religious tolerance is

essential to improving immigrant integration, and hopes that the UN can step in

to aid this process.


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Turkey

The fear of mass influx of refugees into Turkey remains a severe problem.

In 2008, Turkey received an estimated 13,000 new asylum applications

from people of Iran, Iraq, Syria are still getting into Turkey from the troublesome

Middle East. Many thousands more may be remaining in Turkey irregularly.

We, Turkey appreciate the importance of human rights. We will provide equal

access to economic opportunities to ethnic minority groups. However, they must

also abide with my countrys law and order. Sometimes, we cannot accept all

nationals of countries outside the Council of Europe as refugees due to the lack of

resources in our own country.

As a result, we are being criticized as denying refugees and the refugees

are forcibly returned to Iraq despite fears for their lives. Some even said that we

have violated the rights of asylum-seekers on a regular basis even while their

asylum claims are under way and after they are granted refugee status and that

we do not conform to international standards.We must protest against these positions. Actually, Turkey is one of the

states and signatories to the Refugee Convention. We have settled thousands of

resettled Kurdish women in southeast part of Turkey. However, asylum-seekers

stayed in our country are always extending their stay. We are often in

difficulties in providing them with sufficient food. We have no choice but asked

them to go without much adequate legal procedure, returning them to countries.

We understand their lives may be at risk but we have no choice. That is the

situation that we seek any possible solution from this conference.

We do not find that refugees are denied opportunity to apply for asylum

either at Turkeys borders or after being arbitrarily detained. Actually, there maybe occasions that they do not submit a proper application and not because they

could not have access to a fair and satisfactory national refugee status

determination system.

In response to the above questions about the refugees in Turkey, we

agree that ethnic minority groups have interest in economic development of the

host country. The committee, however, must balance the competing interests of

governments, majority ethnic groups, and ethnic minorities to develop creative

solutions to this pressing problem to achieve optimum efficiency.

We appeal for financial support of accepting these refugees. It is good

that the Government of Japan and the United Nations (UN) decided to extend the

total of 1,030,000- dollar assistance through the Trust Fund for Human Securityto the project "Reintegration of Returning IDP/ Refugee Women in Community

Building" to be implemented by the United Nations Development Fund for

Women. We consider that continued financial support to the refugees and

suitable resources should be put to the host countries.

The financial support from other countries can be used for relieving

refugees from poverty and basic governmental services like education,

encourage active participation in the economic progress and development in

their country must be focused, as some ethnic groups remain at a severe

disadvantage because of both direct discrimination and indirect neglect.

We support the project of facilitating the process of reintegration of IDP/

refugee women into the society providing health care and education service,psychological counseling, and vocational training as well as awareness raising on


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women's rights and gender issues through the media.

After careful consideration and for the best interest of the welfare of

people in Turkey, we have decided not to accept the request from the Amnesty

International, asking us to lift the geographical limitation and set a fair and

satisfactory national asylum procedure.


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Uganda

For millions refugees residing in nearby countries or farther afield, local

integration is one of the possible solutions for them, according to UNHCR. By

giving refugees opportunities to integrate and belong, they are able to becomeself- reliant and to contribute socially and economically. Nonetheless, at present,

many of the refugees are struggling to integrate into their local communities and

start their new lives. Our country, Uganda is concerned about this issue. Indeed,

over the past few years, Uganda has carried out various measures to address the

problem. In 1999, Uganda implemented Self Reliance Strategy, jointly drawn

with UNHCR. It aimed to empower the refugees to support themselves and

ensure the integration of refugees with nationals in the areas. It was followed by

Act of Refugees in 2006. Refugees were allocated lands for cultivation, granted

the same rights to work as nationals and access to elementary education.

Nevertheless, there are still constraints under the Uganda Refugee Act

and hinder local integration. Many of the refugee policies in Uganda can only beapplied to refugees living in the settlements. Refugees outside cannot have

access to education, and aids. This prohibits them from the prospects of

integration. As well as this, there are restrictions for the naturalization, legal

residency options and rights of refugees. As a result, without a legal status, they

are hard to break through the cycle of poverty. Also, the huge number of refugees

results in a heavy burden for the country both economically and socially.

To tackle the above problem, it is essential to reconsider the situation of

refugees and adopt a more positive, constructive, proactive approach. Refugee

issue should be addressed from its root cause such as promoting regional

stability. By doing so, refugees can return to where they belong and have theirinterests enhanced. Moreover, according to the Agenda for Protection announced

by UNHCR, the international solidarity and burden sharing of the integration of

refugees should also be noted. With reference to the 1951 Convention, UNHCR is

responsible for the protection of refugee. It should be further adopted as a

platform for cooperation, where countries share the responsibilities of refugee

protection more equitably. As the world is interconnected, only broad, deep and

sustained world cooperation can achieve better situation of refugees.


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Ukraine

Refugees are a displaced group of people, forced to flee from their native

country due to a threat in their safety, whether it be from war, persecution or a

natural disaster. They look to seek asylum in an alternate country, getting thereby any means possible. The real issue lies in whether this country will accept the

refugees, and what they will do to support these peoples needs-whether they bebasic, such as food, water or shelter, or complex, like a new job, right of abode

and citizenship. In 1950, the UN created the United Nations High Commissionerfor Refugees, an organisation solely dedicated to support and protection ofrefugees, and defending their rights and safety. They are the UNs primary sourcefor matters regarding the status of refugees.

The Ukraine fully recognises the needs of these displaced people, and

accepts the responsibility of trying to provide a stable environment in their time

of need. We are currently working with the UNHCR on a 10-point plan of action,

which will become a framework on which we will base our refugee policy. Thiswill help us to better fit the international guidelines provided by the UNHCR, and

will help to enhance communication within our government departments,

support the integration of refugees with whom returning to their homeland is

not an option, enhancing identification and classification of these displaced

people, and encourage the government to take responsibility for these people.


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United Kingdom

In the past decades, protecting refugees have been the core mandate of

the UN refugee agency. During these years UNHCR has offered protection and

assistance to tens of millions of refugees, finding durable solutions for many ofthem. In UK, we continue to take pride in welcoming migrants and refugees and

have made substantial contributions to enriching the economic and social life of

the country.

By "integration" we mean the process that takes place as refugees are

empowered to achieve their potentials as members of British society, to

contribute fully to the community and to become fully able to exercise the rights

and responsibility that they share with other residents.

In UK, multiple refugees integration projects have been set up, such asthe Refugee Integration and Employment Service operated by Refugee Action.

This new service provides support to recent refugees to help them to settle into

UK society and to find employment. General advice and support regarding issuessuch as housing, benefits and access to English classes is available for six months.

The service also assists refugees in job searches, job applications, CV-writing and

interview techniques for up to a year.

Unfortunately we also recognize issues regarding to some public

institutions, service providers and support services not addressing the needs of

refugees and their families. This kind of discrimination has strongly prevented

many refugees from securing jobs that are appropriate to their abilities in order

to live a life with adequate support.

Consequently, many migrants and refugees with good and useful

academic qualifications from abroad still find themselves trap in mean jobs withno potential for improvement whereas their skills could be better used if

empowered.

Furthermore, there is the problem of victimization of refugees provoked

by some media hostility that resulted in racial harassment and racially motivated

violence. In order for refugees to contribute fully to all aspects of the society,

they must feel safe and secure in the large refugee communities in UK.

All these strong obstacles and barriers to refugees integration evidentlyprevent many migrants and refugees from contributing to the developments of

their home countries or to invest in meaningful initiatives and projects back

home.

Therefore in conclusion, we will like to spread the idea of building acorrect attitude towards refugees from early age and that the media has to make

efforts to positively present the image of refugees and defend their interest in

the public.