RRTF: Report March 1998
An Action Plan in support of the return of refugees and displaced persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina
March 1998
Conclusion
- In conclusion, the main principles of this report should be summarized:
- Political support is key for movements to take place, and financial assistance is crucial in making them sustainable – but financial assistance alone cannot make large returns happen.
- Population movements cannot be predicted well, and a demand-driven approach which accompanies or follows actual movements may be the best option for ensuring optimal use of donor resources.
- Scarce resources should be primarily targeted towards sustainable movements – and returns to remote rural areas may not be possible in many cases.
- Direct external financial assistance can only address a small fraction of the difficulties faced by returnees and displaced persons – and must be accompanied by significant institutional reforms in order to be effective.
- The ultimate responsibility for successful reintegration rests with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities – and they should be both encouraged to take all necessary steps, and closely associated with donor activities.
- There is a place for proactive interventions but they require particularly careful identification and close coordination.