Unilateral repatriation of Bosnian refugees

Doc. 7725
14 January 1997

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

presented by MM. GÜREL, CEM, KAMHI and others

1.The Parliamentary Assembly views the situation of the 400 000 Bosnian refugees in western Europe with concern.

2.The Assembly is particularly concerned at reports emanating from non-governmental sources according to which arrangements for their forced repatriation are envisaged.

3.The Assembly recalls that in its Recommendation 1297 (1996) it stressed that any particular unilateral decisions by governments to repatriate should be avoided and recommended that the Committee of Ministers urge the governments of those member states which have granted "temporary protected status" to those who have fled the conflict, to prolong such protection until they can return in safety and dignity, until essential living conditions are assured and until the new institutions for democracy and human rights are functioning effectively.

4.The Assembly recalls that in its Recommendation 1301 (1996) it recommended that the Committee of Ministers urge member states to refrain from repatriating people to Bosnia and Herzegovina who have been granted "temporary protected status" until the appropriate conditions for their return have been met.

5.The Assembly notes that despite efforts to enforce the relevant provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement, there has been practically no progress in the civilian field to enable the refugees and displaced persons to return. The absence of housing facilities and the lack of an atmosphere of confidence and co-operation between the ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina does not provide enough guarantees to enable refugees to resettle in their homes.

6.The Assembly notes that in some member states, refugees are able to benefit from a voluntary repatriation fund scheme. The Assembly believes that in those member states where these schemes exist, they should not be discontinued.

7.The Assembly therefore calls on the governments of member states not to implement any unilateral repatriation decision of Bosnian refugees until the necessary conditions in this respect are fulfilled.

Signed: (1)

Gürel, Turkey, SOC
Cem, Turkey, SOC
Kamhi, Turkey, PPE
Akcali, Turkey, GDE
Antretter, Germany, SOC
Baumel, France, GDE
Cope, United Kingdom, GDE
de Puig, Spain, SOC
Dias, Portugal, SOC
Martínez, Spain, SOC
Pollo, Albania, PPE
Speed, United Kingdom, GDE
Squarcialupi, Italy, SOC
Tahiri, "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", GDE

Note: 1
SOC: Socialist Group
EPP: Group of the European People's Party
EDG: European Democratic Group
LDR: Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group
UEL: Group of the Unified European Left
NR: Not registered