United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

HC Deb 17 March 1986 vol 94 cc16-7

56. Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth affairs when he last met the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; and what matters were discussed.

Mr. Raison

I have not yet met the new High Commissioner, Mr. Hocké, since he took up his post. In June 1985 I met the High Commission's Director of External Affairs, Mr. Volfing. We had a wide-ranging discussion of UNHCR's activities, including its financial position. In that regard I am pleased to announce that I have just approved a further £1.05 million for UNHCR's african refugee programmes.

Mr. Cox

I welcome that reply. However, is the Minister aware that the High Commissioner last month sent out urgent appeals for some 1 million people in Africa who are suffering from hunger and lack of proper shelter? May we have an assurance in the House that the Government and our EEC partners will give all the help they can so that we do not see the tragic problems this year that we saw so often last year in the Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia?

Mr. Raison

I accept the importance of what the hon. Gentleman has said. I believe that our record vis á vis UNHCR has been very good. In the current financial year we shall have spent £33 million on refugees, of which £17 million will go through UNHCR.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

Does my right hon. Friend agree that some of the most effective work being done on a substantial scale for refugees is being done by the Government of Pakistan to assist the 3 million refugees from Afghanistan? Will the Government give every possible help to the magnificent effort of the Pakistan Government?

Mr. Raison

I agree. I think that the Government of Pakistan have behaved with a great sense of hospitality to the refugees from Afghanistan. We have responded to the appeals for Afghan refugees with considerable generosity and continue to do so.

Mr. Pavitt

In view of the continuing tragedy of Lebanon and the middle east, and the excellent work being done for refugees there, did the Minister, in his discussions, make any extra allocation for that part of the world, where there is constant flux and where, as a result, the administrative problem becomes even more expensive?

Mr. Raison

The form of support for refugees in the middle east is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which is not covered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.