A/HRC/8/6
page 18
69. In 2007, the Committee adopted the conceptual framework on durable solutions for
displaced persons devised by the Representative following an extensive consultation process.
This conceptual framework provides criteria for determining when and in what circumstances
displaced persons no longer need to be so classified, or to be considered as requiring special
assistance and protection. These criteria relate to the material conditions which need to be met in
order to speak of durable solutions (such as security, non-discrimination, return of property,
access to basic services), as well as the process leading to such solutions (mechanisms for
consultation with the affected population, access to objective information on conditions in the
new place of residence, etc.).
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
70. The Representative continues his close cooperation with UNHCR, which includes the
presence of a colleague in UNHCR offices. He thanks UNHCR for the support it has provided in
mounting and conducting field missions, and welcomes the dialogue which has been instituted
with officials following his missions.
71. In June 2007, the Representative together with UNHCR and the Brookings-Bern project
organized a brainstorming workshop on protracted displacement situations with a view to
identifying the measures needed to improve the assistance and protection offered to displaced
persons in such situations, with an emphasis on durable solutions. A report on the meeting was
prepared, which included recommendations for the future relating to advocacy, reform of the
humanitarian sector and institutional cooperation, in the context of operational development and
research. A further seminar on early recovery and the search for durable solutions for internally
displaced persons, which is to be organized with the cooperation of UNHCR but also UNDP and
OCHA, is scheduled for 2008.
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
72. The Representative continues to receive support from the Office of the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in accordance with the Office’s mandate
for assistance to special procedures. In addition to general support in the implementation of
the Representative’s mandate, the Office provides both substantive and logistical assistance
in preparations for his missions. The Office also cooperates closely with the Representative in
organizing the course on internal displacement held each year in San Remo.
Peacebuilding Commission
73. The Representative, who is convinced that the search for solutions to the problems of
displacement and the prevention of displacement are inextricably linked to the search for durable
peace, considers that the Peacebuilding Commission should systematically examine the issues of
internal displacement, in particular those related to the return and reintegration of displaced
persons in the countries with which it is working.
74. Armed with this conclusion, the Representative was invited to address the Commission
on 2 May 2007, together with the High Commissioner for Refugees. In his address, the
Representative stressed that the search for durable solutions for displaced persons would boost
the sustainability of efforts to build peace. Consequently, the search for such solutions should be
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