Treaty Series Recueil des Traites - United Nations Treaty Collection

Volume 2165, 11-1242
[ENGLISH TEXT - TEXTE ANGLAIS]
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE ECONOMIC
COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS) AND THE
UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR)
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE ECONOMIC COM-
MUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS "ECO-
WAS"
On one part,
and
THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES HEREINAF-
TER REFERRED TO AS "UNHCR"
On the other part,
PREAMBLE
1. Recalling the General Assembly Resolution no A/Res/48/173 which requires inter
alia, that the Secretary-General promotes co-operation between the organs, organisations
and bodies of the United Nations system and regional organisations and institutions;
2. Considering that the final objective of ECOWAS is to raise the standard of living
of the people of West Africa and contribute towards the progress and development of the
continent by achieving economic growth, promoting peace and security and evolving common
political values as well as systems and institutions among the West African countries
with the view of enhancing the regional cooperation and integration;
3. Noting that ECOWAS has established a regional mechanism for promoting political
stability, democracy, good governance, respect for the rule of law, protection of human
and people's rights, regional security, stability and reinforcement of good neighbourliness,
as well as prevention, management and resolution of conflicts within the sub-region of
West Africa;
o
4. Considering that ECOWAS may enter into agreements with other international and
regional organisations for the furtherance and achievement of its objectives; and that it recognises
peace building issues and humanitarian principles as important elements in conflict
prevention and management;
5. Recalling Article VIII of the 1969 OAU Convention governing the specific aspects
of refugee problems in Africa, whereby Member states are requested to cooperate with UN-
HCR;
6. Considering that the mandate of UNHCR is to provide international protection and
assistance to refugees, returnees and other persons of concern including stateless persons
and internally displaced population and to seek durable solutions for their problems and situations
through local settlement, voluntary repatriation or resettlement;