Plan of Action to help southern African refugees adopted in Oslo.

A Declaration and Plan of Action to help millions of refugees in southern Africa was adopted by consensus at a special three-day United Nations Conference held in Oslo, Norway, from 22 to 24 August 1988. The underlying premise: that only measures to abolish apartheid and achieve national independence and improved economic and social conditions would bring about a solution to their plight.

The Declaration also reaffirmed the principle of solidarity and burden-sharing, recognizing that the conditions of refugees, returnees and displaced persons are a global responsibility.

The Plan of Action identified four main areas of activity: emergency preparedness, assessment of needs, recovery and development, and mobilization of resources.

Among other things, the Conference encouraged countries of the region to establish early warning systems and to formulate contingency plans and emergency programmes for refugees, returnees and displaced persons.

It asked for studies and, consultations to ensure the timely implementation and overall coordination of relief programmes. Host countries and countries of origin should co-ordinate their refugee programmes.

The Governments concerned, in co-operation with regional and international organizations, should ensure that development policies benefit not only nations but also refugees, returnees and displaced persons. The Conference called for increased aid from the international community through both emergence and long-term assistance.

Relevant public information networks were urged to obtain and disseminate accurate information o the...