THE BALKAN REFUGEE CRISIS: Regional and long-term Perspectives. (ICG Balkans Report N° 68)
THE BALKAN REFUGEE CRISIS: Regional and long-term Perspectives. (ICG Balkans Report N° 68)

Author(s): Author Not Specified
Subject(s): Peace and Conflict Studies, Wars in Jugoslavia, Asylum, Refugees, Migration as Policy-fields
Published by: ICG International Crisis Group
Keywords: Displaced persons; refugees; Humanitarian evacuation; refugees return;
Summary/Abstract: This report argues in favour of providing temporary protection2 for refugees in the region, with the aim of them returning home at the earliest opportunity. Temporary protection is necessary to maintain pressure on Belgrade and demonstrate our commitment to reverse the effects of ethnic cleansing. But this report argues for more realism in relation to the length of time it will take to reverse the present refugee flow. Lessons from Croatia and Bosnia have demonstrated that there is no such thing as fast voluntary return in the wake of war and ethnic cleansing3. Perhaps induced, but most likely not voluntary. Non-voluntary return of refugees is a very sensitive issue. The international community can only try to circumvent it by striving to put in place the necessary conditions that would make return acceptable to Kosovo refugees. This report discusses these key conditions and calls for the establishment of a comprehensive repatriation plan. Strong regional management structures must be established by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in order to develop, co-ordinate and implement the strategy for the return process.

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