C. Refugees and illegal immigrants 55 56 14

The authorities competent to initiate and carry out the investigation, both at the criminal and disciplinary levels Applicable procedures, including whether there is access to immediate medical examinations and forensic expertise Whether the alleged perpetrator is suspended from his her functions while the investigation is being conducted and or prohibited from further contact with the alleged victim Information on the results of cases of prosecution and punishment.

Many of the refugees who had died had been armed refugees, and there was no provision in international law allowing the presence of armed refugees in refugee camps.

Refugee Review Tribunal cases

34. AALCC has been actively engaged in the study of refugee law and refugee problems and has been working in close cooperation with UNHCR for that purpose.

Recognizing the need to improve the security of refugees and to maintain the civilian and humanitarian nature of refugee camps and settlements in accordance with international laws, in particular refugee instruments, as well as human rights instruments and humanitarian laws,

Seminars of Arab experts on asylum and refugee law

The representative of UNHCR, noting the close link between human rights law and refugee law, underlined the importance of the work of special procedures to the work of UNHCR.

Courses on international refugee law

Denial of such access jeopardizes the protection of refugees, who themselves have a right of access to UNHCR.

Promotion and dissemination of principles of refugee law

37. Appreciation was expressed for UNHCR apos s efforts in trying to harmonize refugee policies in Southern Africa.

The failure of the strategy of removing the intimidators from the camps forced UNHCR to consider other measures to encourage the repatriation of Rwandan refugees.

UNHCR continues to promote the adoption of a proper legislative framework for determining refugee status.

This approach should lead to a significant improvement in the quality of the Office's assistance programmes, especially for refugee women, children and the elderly.

In accordance with the provisions of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, that law established a procedure for ensuring refugee status for asylum seekers, provided legal and social guarantees for the protection of refugees and assigned relevant jurisdiction to institutions responsible for refugee matters.

(b) The ongoing development of a legal regime of international protection, in particular through the promotion of accessions to international and regional instruments relating to the status of refugees or otherwise benefiting refugees, the effective implementation of refugee rights and the promotion and dissemination of refugee law and protection principles

173. In Belarus, UNHCR has assisted the Government in implementing existing refugee law and in establishing a reliable and fair procedure for refugee status determination.

18. Expresses its appreciation to those Governments that continue to host Afghan refugees, and reminds them of their obligations under international refugee law with respect to the protection of refugees and the right to seek asylum

It stressed that legal aid must not exclude refugee women.

Where relevant national legislation was not in place, UNHCR lobbied for the refugee definition to be included in legislation and for refugees and asylum seekers to be exempted from penalties that might otherwise be imposed.

Finding durable solutions to the problems of refugees

The Protection Capacity Section is responsible for the promotion and dissemination of principles of refugee law and international protection (UNHCR briefing note on the Department of International Protection).

The Protection Capacity Section is responsible for the promotion and dissemination of principles of refugee law and international protection (UNHCR briefing note on the Department of International Protection).

It includes 12 objectives on promotion of law and advocacy of refugee protection.

In October 1996, Chile issued a decree amending the chapter on refugees of the Migration Law dating back to 1975.

A French court has rejected a bid by Calais authorities to demolish dozens of makeshift shops and restaurants in the Jungle camp where thousands of refugees are living.

10. The primary functions of UNHCR are to provide international protection to refugees and to seek permanent solutions for the problem of refugees by assisting Governments to facilitate their voluntary repatriation, or their assimilation within new national communities.

UNHCR has also given advice on constitutional, refugee and citizenship provisions, with advice on the latter to, inter alia, avoid the creation of stateless persons.

(d) Finding durable solutions to the problems of refugees

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) continued to encourage the development of national law and regulations for the protection of refugees and to support the enhancement of capacity of the Asylum Unit within the Department of Immigration.

Though the legal landscape remained generally friendly to refugees and asylum seekers, the organization of several clean up operations affected asylum seekers and refugees.

UNHCR has sought to encourage gender and age sensitive asylum procedures and treatment in refugee receiving States.

The Israeli occupying forces targeted and terrorized the camps, particularly in Rafah and Jabaliya.

36. Given the complex nature of the situation, the Government of Belarus had modified the country s legislative and legal base with a view to improving the internal procedures for granting asylum.

In addition, UNHCR provides support to governmental administrative and legislative bodies to help them deal efficiently with migration and refugee issues.

UNHCR welcomes the fact that, during the period under review, a number of States have adopted legislation to implement the international refugee instruments, or are in the process of adopting such legislation.

18. Expresses its appreciation to those Governments that continue to host Afghan refugees, and reminds them of their obligations under international refugee law with respect to the protection of refugees and the right to seek asylum

UNHCR and its partners are addressing these challenges through projects which benefit both refugees and local communities.

1. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recalled that its mandate is to provide international protection to refugees and to seek durable solutions for them.

Yet adolescent refugees often cannot access education.

This situation specific approach is already evident in a number of refugee operations being pursued by UNHCR.

French court rejects bid to demolish shops at Jungle refugee camp

in northern Uganda 39 12

While taking note of the comments made by some delegations, UNHCR apos s Statistician clarified UNHCR apos s approach towards estimating the number of refugees in countries without accurate refugee population statistics and explained that the granting of citizenship, not long term residence status, is used as a criterion for UNHCR statistics.