Vol. 459 No. 5
62 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the total number of refugees that have had to leave their country or townland due to human rights violations; if he will give a breakdown of the known countries and estimated number of refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17605/95]
A recent estimate by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) puts the number of refugees worldwide at 14.7 million. In addition, there are 5.4 million internally displaced persons. The following table indicates the principal countries of origin and host countries.
Both through the EU and in its own right, Ireland has actively supported measures to address the refugee problem. Our general contribution to the UNHCR was £1 million for 1994. In addition, there was a grant of £350,000 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to support Palestinian refugees.
There are also provisions this year of £5 million for emergency humanitarian assistance and £3.5 million for rehabilitation programmes. Much of the expenditure in these categories supports refugee populations. The principal focus of such expenditure this year has been on refugees from Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia.
We have also responded positively to appeals to admit refugees to this country. About 900 people have been admitted so far, mostly from Vietnam and the former Yugoslavia. Following a Government decision of 29 July 1995 these will shortly be joined by another 250 refugees from the former Yugoslavia. There is also provision for this group of 250 to be joined by their close relatives.
|
Top Ten Countries Hosting Refugees |
Number of Refugees |
Top Ten Countries of Origin of Refugees |
Number of Refugees |
|
Islamic Republic of Iran |
1,740,800 |
Afghanistan |
2,702,900 |
|
Zaire |
1,559,200 |
Rwanda |
2,075,600 |
|
Pakistan |
1,055,400 |
Liberia |
768,700 |
|
United Republic of Tanzania |
640,100 |
Somalia |
499,000 |
|
Guinea |
553,200 |
Sudan |
375,800 |
|
Côte d'Ivoire |
346,700 |
Bosnia Hercegovina |
298,200 |
|
Sudan |
335,600 |
Vietnam |
294,200 |
|
Ethiopia |
333,000 |
Eritrea |
283,400 |
|
China |
287,100 |
Sierra Leone |
275,000 |
|
Burundi |
253,300 |
Burundi |
234,700 |
