RRTF: Report July 1997
Update
“Reconstruction and Return Task Force”
July 1997
1. Foreword
In its report of April 1997 the Reconstruction and Return Task Force (RRTF) outlined the major factors determining the return of refugees and displaced persons. It addressed the capacity of the donor community to cater to the needs of returnees. The report was presented by the Brussels Office of the High Representative and circulated at the Humanitarian Issues Working Group, held by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on 23 April 1997 in Geneva.
The report contained specific recommendations primarily addressed to the donor community and host countries. Outstanding tasks to be fulfilled by the governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina were also highlighted.
The Political Declaration from the Ministerial Meeting of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, issued in Sintra/Portugal on 30 May 1997, refers to the shortcomings of the Parties to the Peace Agreement in the implementation of Annex 7 on refugees and displaced persons. The Ministerial Meeting clearly states that international economic aid is conditional on compliance with, and implementation of, the Peace Agreement. In particular, assistance for housing and local infrastructure should depend on the acceptance of return. The Reconstruction and Return Task Force, chaired by the Office of the High Representative (OHR), was asked to intensify its co-ordinating role in this respect.
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