RRTF: Report April 1997

Report "Reconstruction and Return Task Force" April 1997 1. Foreword In accordance with the conclusions of the London Peace Implementation Conference of December 5th 1996, the Reconstruction and Return Task Force (RRTF) was established to create an integrated approach to the return of refugees and economic reconstruction. By bringing together the key agencies and organisations concerned with the return of refugees and economic reconstruction, the RRTF has sought to maximise the impact of limited resources in support of an anticipated return of 200,000 refugees in 1997. Since its inaugural meeting on February 4th 1997, the RRTF has met weekly in Sarajevo under the chairmanship of the Office of the High Representative to prepare this consensus document. The other participating institutions of the RRTF are the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the European Commission including the European Community Humanitarian Office, the World Bank, the International Management Group, the Real Property Claims Commission for Refugees and Displaced Persons, and representatives of the Economic Task Force and other sector-specific task forces. This report focuses on the main constraints in implementing a phased, orderly and safe return as specified in the Peace Agreement. These include (i) political and security constraints, (ii) limited absorption capacity in terms of housing, employment, and social and other infrastructure, and (iii) financing constraints. The report concludes with recommendations, the implementation of which will be continuously assessed. Back to Index | Continue

Office of the High Representative Reconstruction and Return Task Force