World Refugee Year

1502 (XV)

XV. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE

1502. World Refugee Year

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolutions 1285 (XIII) of 5 December 1958 and 1390 (XIV) of 20 November 1959 on the World Refugee Year,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the World Refugee Year,¹

Noting with gratification the remarkable success of the World Refugee Year in many parts of the world, not only financially but also in promoting solutions of problems relating to large numbers of refugees, particularly those who are handicapped,

Noting further that the World Refugee Year has focused the attention of world opinion on the problems of refugees,

Believing that the enthusiasm and interest aroused by the World Refugee Year can, if maintained, make a vital contribution to this end,

1. Expresses its thanks to all Governments, national committees, non-governmental organizations and private individuals who have contributed to the success of the World Refugee Year, as well as to the Secretary-General and his Special Representative for the World Refugee Year, for their efforts in this regard;

2. Requests States Members of the United Nations and members of the specialized agencies, as well as international non-governmental organizations, to continue their efforts to assist refugees on a purely humanitarian basis, especially by:

(a) Increased co-operation with the programmes of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East;

(b) Efforts to maintain the public interest aroused by the World Refugee Year in the solution of refugee problems;

(c) The encouragement of additional opportunities for permanent refugee solutions through voluntary repatriation, resettlement or integration in accordance with the freely expressed wishes of the refugees themselves;

(d) The further encouragement of financial contributions for international assistance to refugees including contributions from non-governmental organizations and the general public;

3. Expresses the hope that all people everywhere will take into consideration the problems of refugees and the need for sustained and increased efforts for their ultimate solution.

935th plenary meeting,
5 December 1960.

1 Ibid., Fifteenth Session, Annexes, agenda item 33, document A/4546.