OSCE and UNHCR support regional refugee return process

BELGRADE, 28 November 2003 - The Heads of the OSCE Missions and the Representatives of the UNHCR in Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia met today in Belgrade to review the framework of the enhanced regional co-operation on refugee return, property and acquired rights issues.

The meeting, held at the OSCE Mission in Serbia and Montenegro, is part of the regular consultations of the two organizations in the region and follows similar meetings held in Sarajevo and Zagreb.

It was agreed to further support regional co-operation with particular emphasis on the need to support repatriation of refugees who wish to return to their homes. In order to enable truly unconditional return, all remaining administrative or legal limitations should be removed without delay or hesitation. Efforts should be made by governments in the region to create a climate conducive to refugee return and access to property and housing should be assured. The participants noted the importance of refugee returns as a condition for full integration of the countries in the region into Europe.

The OSCE Missions and the UNHCR unanimously supported the initiative of a regional declaration to be signed by the Presidents of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia and Montenegro. They look forward to a real and tangible focus by the governments in order to reinvigorate refugee returns.

While acknowledging the positive efforts and statements made by the government authorities in the three countries, the participants stressed the need to follow such positive steps with concrete actions in support of repatriation of refugees who wish to return, in line with their European aspirations.