Mr. President. under Mrs. Ogatas distinguished leadership. the UNHCR has been at the center of refugee programs throughout the world. Her organization was instrumental in the successful effort to repatriate some 360.000 Cambodians from Thailand where they had lived in camps for over 15 years. Major repatriations have also taken place to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran1.2 million Afghans have now returned to their own country. UNHCR has also assisted in the repatriation of Vietnamese from Hong Kong. But elsewhere large numbers of refugees remain under the protection of the High Commissioner. relying on UNHCR and other organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and private voluntary groups for care and assistance. Some of the largest groups are in Africa. where their needs are bound up with the overall pattern of poverty. drought. and a lack of constructive development. Mrs. Ogata stressed the need to integrate refugee programs into development plans. The United States has traditionally been a major supporter of the High Commissioners programs. and that is a tradition that must continue. Mrs.
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