পাতা:বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্র (ত্রয়োদশ খণ্ড).pdf/৮০১

773 ংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ ত্রয়োদশ খন্ড operation and help was established with the active participation of UNHCR which facilitated repatriation. Until this stage is reached, substantial and well-organized repatriation cannot be a success and the trend is difficult to reverse. It is with this in mind that I established contact with the Government of Pakistan at a very early stage. The Government extended full co-operation and agreed to the stationing of a UNHCR representative in East Pakistan who is now working and has a small team of field assistants. His activities are closely coordinated with the United Nations East Pakistan relief operation. The Government of Pakistan has set up reception centers in order to receive refugees and facilitate their return to their homesteads and those are visited regularly by UNHCR. Mr. Chairman, I have had myself occasion to visit both India and Pakistan in order to make a personal assessment on the spot and to consult with the two Governments regarding the situation which is causing so much concern not only to both of them but also to the whole international community. I proceeded not only to the two capitals and had discussions at the highest level but also saw the border areas on both sides. In India, I visited some refugee camps and in Pakistan, some reception centers. The situation remains very grim indeed and demands much greater effort and more generosity on the part of the international community. Interest must not slacken and apathy should not set in. The recent floods have had a devastating effect on the camps, and distribution problems as a result of the floods have added a new dimension to this tragedy. The fragile health of the young and old will be further affected. I have given a very limited account of UNHCR's role as Focal Point and of the magnitude of the task which confronts us. The information paper which is being made available will give you the updated details. Whilst no solution is yet in sight for this refugee problem, we must clearly not allow it to detract or monopolize our attention from other refugees in other parts of the world, and particularly in Africa where progress has been achieved.