Declaration and Concerted Plan of Action in Favour of Central American Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons

I. DECLARATION

The Governments of the States represented in the International Conference on Central American Refugees, held at Guatemala City from 29 to 31 May 1989,

Bearing in mind the significance of the Procedure for the Establishment of a Firm and Lasting Peace in Central America,[a] signed by the Presidents of the five countries of Central America at Guatemala City on 7 August 1987, and especially the contents of its point 8,

Recalling the San Salvador Communiqué on Central American Refugees of 9 September 1988,[b] resolution 43/118 of the General Assembly of the United Nations of 8 December 1988, entitled "International Conference on Central American Refugees", and the resolution of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States of 19 November 1988 entitled "Central American Refugees and Regional Efforts to Resolve Their Problems",[c]

Taking fully into account the Joint Declaration of the Central American Presidents signed in the Department of La Paz, El Salvador, on 14 February 1989, in which they offer their full support for the Conference,

Noting other expressions of support received, in particular from the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Central American States, the Contadora Group and the European Economic Community in the Political Declaration and the Joint Economic Communiqué of the San José Meeting, held at San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on 27 and 28 February 1989,

Recognizing the importance, within the overall United Nations effort for the region, of the Special Plan of Economic Co-operation for Central America,[d] approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations in its resolution 42/231 of 12 May 1988, whose chapter on refugees and displaced persons will have to be complementary to the implementation of the Plan of Action of the Conference,

Bearing in mind, that the common effort in favour of refugees, returnees and displaced persons requires the support, co-operation and co-ordination of the various affected and interested Governments, and of the various international organizations involved, particularly the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme,

Noting that, since the beginning of the conflicts in the region, more than a quarter of a million Central Americans have fled their countries of origin and have received protection and assistance as refugees in neighbouring countries, especially through the meritorious work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees,

Noting furthermore that the crisis in Central America not only has brought about the exodus of refugees which have been identified, recognized and assisted as such, but also has resulted in both internal and external displacements of a considerably higher number of persons than that of refugees and which equally need attention,

Concerned by the intense human suffering caused by this massive uprooting of population groups, which in addition has had a negative impact on the populations that receive them and on the public services and natural resources, among others, available in the countries where they transit,

Declare as follows:

1.      Express their strong concern with regard to the existence of hundreds of thousands of Central American refugees and displaced persons whose suffering constitutes one of the most distressing consequences of the crisis in the region and a human drama that must be dealt with;

2.      Emphasize the praiseworthy humanitarian and non-political attitude of the countries which, with the help of the international community and especially of the co-operating countries, have provided timely protection and assistance to those affected;

3.      Reaffirm their commitment to encourage the voluntary return of refugees and other persons displaced by the crisis, under conditions of personal security and dignity that would allow them to resume a normal life;

4.      Confirm also that international assistance is provided on the same humanitarian and strictly non-political basis;

5.      Reaffirm further the importance for the countries in the region of the 1951 United Nations Convention on the Status of Refugees,[e] and its 1967 Protocol,[f] and, for those countries that are parties to them, the regional instruments on asylum and human rights, in the context of the generous tradition of asylum in Latin America;

6.      Reiterate their commitment to respect and promote the basic principles of protection of refugees and other principles which concern the inherent rights of the individual;

7.      Reiterate the importance of the principle according to which refugees are obliged to respect and observe the laws of the country of asylum, including lawful measures taken for the maintenance of public order;

8.      Confirm the obligation of refugees to avoid any activities which might affect the strictly civilian and humanitarian nature of camps and settlements, as well as any activity that is incompatible with the regional peace process;

9.      Take note of the contribution, for the countries of the region, of the Cartagena Declaration on Refugees,[g] which amplifies the relevant principles and criteria for the protection of and assistance to refugees in the region and serves as guidance and orientation for those States;

10.  Take note also of the importance for the countries of the region of the document on Principles and Criteria for the Protection of and Assistance to Central American Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons in Latin America,[h] which may constitute a source of information and orientation for all interested States;

11.  Note with satisfaction the willingness of the affected States to include in their national development plans, as a matter of priority, proposals for solutions for refugees, returnees and displaced persons submitted to the Conference;

12.  Recognize that the inclusion of specific solutions to the problems of refugees, returnees and displaced persons, within the framework of economic and social development strategies, will contribute to the success of the Plan of Action;

13.  Confirm that beyond the formal and overriding commitment in respect of refugees and returnees, in conformity with the relevant international instruments and the fundamental principles of international protection, the international community is ready, in accordance with the principles of humanity and solidarity, to contribute to solutions in favour of displaced persons;

14.  Emphasize that it is important for the above-mentioned proposals to pay due attention, as a matter of priority, to the special needs of refugee women and children;

15.  Recognize the crucial role played by the tripartite commissions, made up of representatives of the country of asylum, the country of origin and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in facilitating and promoting the voluntary repatriation of refugees;

16.  Confirm that it is necessary for the treatment and solutions in favour of refugees, returnees and displaced persons to take place on a strictly humanitarian basis, with the agreement and respect of all parties concerned, as reflected in the formal commitment contained in the San Salvador Communiqué of 9 September 1988;

17.  Recognize the positive contribution made by non-governmental organizations in the area of assistance in favour of the affected population groups and, in this regard, encourages them to increase their efforts within the framework established by the relevant Governments;

18.  Underline the importance of several projects under way regarding refugees, returnees and displaced persons which are carried out in the countries affected – these include, inter alia: the ongoing efforts of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Development Programme and the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as non-governmental organizations; the bilateral assistance programme of co-operating countries; and, in keeping with the special plan of economic co-operation for Central America and the Programme in Favour of Displaced Persons, Refugees and Returnees;

19.  Express their profound gratitude to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for his valuable assistance in the preparation of the Conference;

20.  Recognize the important contribution of organizations of the United Nations system and other intergovernmental organizations in the preparation of the Conference;

21.  Emphasize the commendable collaboration of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme with the Governments of the affected countries in the various stages of the preparation for the Conference and, in particular, in the formulation of proposals for solutions in favour of the affected population groups;

22.  Recognize that solutions to the problems of refugees, returnees and displaced persons form an integral part of the efforts for peace, democracy and development taking place in the region;

And, therefore:

23.  Approve, in accordance with the principle of international solidarity, the guidelines of the Concerted Plan of Action in Favour of Central American Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons, set forth below, support its principles and objectives, and consider it a promising initial framework for future activities and thus reaffirm their commitment to contribute to the establishment of a firm and lasting peace in Central America;

24.  Decide to examine in a favourable spirit the projects presented to the Conference by the affected countries and to explore all possible sources to ensure their financing;

25.  Recommend that the international community should give greater attention and support to the problem of displaced persons and that, to that end, the Secretary-General of the United Nations should assign, after consultations with the member States, the corresponding responsibilities;

26.  Take note of the decision of the affected countries to disseminate the document on the Principles and Criteria for the Protection of and Assistance to Central American Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons in Latin America, to be used as a source of information;

27.  Note with appreciation the mechanisms for promotion and follow up described in the Plan of Action.

II. CONCERTED PLAN OF ACTION IN FAVOUR OF CENTRAL AMERICAN REFUGEES, RETURNEES AND DISPLACED PERSONS

Introduction

1. The San Salvador Communiqué of 9 September 1988, which called for the International Conference on Central American Refugees, establishes the need for national plans and programmes of action in favour of Central American refugees, returnees and displaced persons, identifying concrete solutions to their serious problems to be formulated on a purely humanitarian and non-political basis.

2. In this context, the Governments of the affected countries have formulated, at the national level, detailed diagnostic studies of the massive population movements that have taken place in the region, on the basis of which the present Plan of Action has been prepared. In part one, which contains the strategy, the basic objectives, fundamentals and project proposals to identify solutions to the problems of Central American refugees, returnees and displaced persons are described. In part two, the mechanisms for follow-up and promotion of the Plan of Action are outlined.

PART ONE

Strategy

A. The present situation

3. In the course of the last ten years, almost two million Central Americans have been displaced in the region as a result of the current crisis. During the same time, numerous assistance programmes have been implemented which have considerably improved the situation of the affected people. In several cases, durable solutions have been found; nevertheless, for the majority of the uprooted population groups, viable and definitive alternatives remain to be identified.

4. In the first instance, a particularly vulnerable group of almost 150,000 persons, recognized and assisted as refugees, form part of the uprooted population groups. The great majority have found asylum in Costa Rica (41,000), Honduras (37,000) and Mexico (43,000), with smaller but nevertheless significant numbers in Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. In any event, these numbers do not include those persons who fall within the established criteria but have not requested recognition and assistance as refugees and are dispersed throughout almost all the countries of the region.

5. In the second instance, there is another group of persons, returnees, who equally need assistance in order to achieve durable solutions. This involves persons who, at one time, had been refugees and decided to return to their countries of origin. According to figures provided by the respective Governments, there are in the region 13,500 Guatemalans, 35,000 Nicaraguans and 13,000 Salvadorians.

6. The conflict and crisis have at the same time resulted in the displacement of an important third group of persons who remain homeless within the boundaries of their own countries and without means of subsistence. They are called internally displaced persons and need special assistance, even though they remain subject to the jurisdiction and protection of the authorities of their own countries.

7. In addition, among those affected by the crisis, another group is located outside of their own countries and needs attention owing to their uprooted situation and the additional burden which they may signify to the communities where they live. This group is made up of people who, as a result of the crisis, have been unable to provide for their subsistence or lead a normal life, whether or not their lives, security or liberty have been threatened by the conflict. When, as a result, these persons have been obliged to leave their names and move to a neighbouring country, they are called, for the purpose of this Plan of Action, externally displaced persons and their situation undoubtedly deserves a more detailed legal and social analysis.

8. Although the magnitude of this problem is difficult to measure, it is thought that, in addition to the number of assisted refugees, some 1.8 million persons are affected in all countries of the region, whether they are obliged to cross an international border - among whom there are refuges who have not been recognized as such - or to leave their homes while remaining in their own countries.

B. Basic objectives

9. Since the beginning of the refugee exodus in Central America, the affected countries have responded with emergency and other forms of basic assistance with a view to meeting immediate needs and, in some cases, facilitating durable solutions. Even if the magnitude of human suffering has been lightened and emergency situations have been overcome, many refugees still live in precarious conditions. One of the objectives of the present Plan of Action is to identify durable solutions to overcome this problem within the possibilities of the affected countries.

10. From this fundamental objective follows the obligation to respect, in the first place, the right of refugees to return voluntarily to their countries of origin in order to resume a normal life. Consequently, voluntary repatriation, which is the best solution, will be facilitated above all. In those instances where conditions do not yet exist to make this possible, the Plan of Action proposes measures to help refugees play a larger and more positive role in the countries of asylum while awaiting voluntary repatriation, by opening camps when conditions so permit - and promoting interaction with the local community. It also proposes that alternative solutions be identified for those refugees who are dispersed outside the camps. In exceptional cases, when some refugees cannot remain in the country of asylum, for protection reasons, the possibility of third country resettlement is considered.

11. Even though refugees can make a positive contribution to local communities during their stay - and this bas in some instances been the case - it is clear that their presence in massive numbers has produced, or can produce, negative effects in the employment, social services, economic and ecological sectors in the country of asylum which must be given special consideration. It is therefore necessary to assure that programmes are appropriate to the characteristics of the area and are formulated while taking into consideration the standard of living in the asylum country. In view of the possible negative effects mentioned, the Plan of Action has been formulated as well to remedy this situation and, if possible, to contribute to improving conditions in the affected communities. Recent experience has shown that international programmes of co-operation in favour of refugees in rural areas should, for reasons of equality, also benefit the surrounding local population.

12. Concerning the group of displaced persons, the Plan of Action attempts to improve their situation so that they may return and have a normal productive life in their communities of origin whenever possible.

 C. Fundamentals of the Plan of Action

13. The Plan of Action is based on the following fundamental principles:

          (a) The affected countries consider that both the commitment to re-establish peace in the region and the formulation of proposals for solutions in favour of the affected population groups form an integral part of the efforts towards regional peace and development;

          (b) The steps taken towards peace constitute the basis of proposals for solutions in favour of refugees, returnees and displaced persons made in the framework of the procedure for the Establishment of a Firm and Lasting Peace in Central America (Esquipulas II), signed by the Presidents of the countries of Central America on 7 August 1987 and reaffirmed in the Joint Declaration of the Central American Presidents, signed in the Department of La Paz, El Salvador, on 14 February 1989;

          (c) The problems of refugees, returnees and displaced persons and the proposals for solutions should continue to be treated on a strictly humanitarian And non-political basis; in this context, States are guided above all by considerations of solidarity with the individuals in need and the imperative of identifying humane solutions to their problems, giving priority to the preservation of life and personal safety above any other consideration.

14. The affected States reiterate their commitment to the fundamental principles of human rights and protection of refugees, especially those of non-refoulement and abstention from discrimination, expulsion or detention of refugees for having entered illegally the territory of the country. In addition, they reaffirm the continued upholding of the institution of asylum in the region.

15. In the same matter, the affected countries reiterate the importance of the principle according to which refugees are obliged, as any other person, to respect and observe the laws and regulations of the country of asylum, including lawful measures taken for the maintenance of public order. Refugees, for their part, are also under the obligation to avoid any activity which might affect the strictly civilian and humanitarian nature of camps and settlements, and to abstain from any activity incompatible with the regional peace process.

16. In order to ensure the success of the Plan of Action, the affected countries propose to link solution programmes for refugees, returnees and displaced persons with economic and social development in the region.

D. Three-year regional programmes

17. In order to reach the stated objectives, the affected countries have reoriented or consolidated their policies with regard to refugees, returnees and displaced persons with a view to proposing programmes and project for the next three years. Taken together, the policies on which the proposals are based constitute the global strategy adopted by the States described below.

18. This strategy has a dynamic character in so far as the proposals presented by the affected countries are based on an analysis of the current regional situation. The implementation of the Plan of Action will be evaluated in the light of the actual situation in the region through the mechanisms outlined in part two of the Plan of Action.

1. Programmes in favour of returnees

19. The voluntary repatriation programmes contain multisectoral projects aimed at facilitating the reintegration of returnees in their communities. These programmes address:

          (a) The needs of returnees who receive basic assistance and, in some cases, rehabilitation assistance. The Plan of Action attempts to achieve their economic and social integration, benefiting the community where they return as well;

          (b) The needs of future returnees and the receiving communities, in an integrated approach, which begins with the process of return and ends with re-integration. The Plan of Action foresees support to communities in the country of origin in order to create minimum conditions for return, even before such movement starts. The rate of implementation of these programmes will depend on the actual return of returnees.

20. The projects submitted up to the time of formulation of the Plan of Action aim at facilitating the reintegration in El Salvador of some 13,000 returnees and another 8,000 future returnees (CIREFCA/89/4, projects 2 and 3); 3,500 returnees and 30,000 future returnees in Guatemala (CIREFCA/89/3, project 1 and 2); and 35,000 returnees and 31,000 future returnees in Nicaragua (CIREFCA/89/8, projects 1 and 3 to 7).

21. These programmes reflect the commitment to continue respect for

          (a) The right of refugees to return to their countries of origin as well as to receive information on the prevailing situation to allow them to reach a free decision concerning their return;

          (b) The voluntary and individually-manifested character of repatriation;

          (c) The necessity that repatriation take place in conditions of security and dignity;

          (d) The ability of the refugees to choose the destination in their countries, as well as freedom of movement and free choice of place of residence under the same conditions as other nationals of their countries;

          (e) Non-discrimination for having sought asylum;

          (f) Access to means of subsistence and to land under the same conditions as other nationals of their countries;

          (g) The respective cultural and ethnic values

          (h) The work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in favour of returnees and his access to them.

The rights referred to in this paragraph are to be implemented in the context of the prevailing legislation in each country.

22. The programmes also aim at regularizing the situation of returnees with regard to the delivery of identity documents and the registry of births, marriages and deaths, and other events occurring in the country of asylum and relating to the civil status of the individual. They also provide for access to citizenship for children of returnees born abroad as well as for foreign spouses, when they so desire, and facilitate the recognition of studies undertaken in the country of asylum.

23. The humanitarian and non-political character of international assistance in favour of voluntary repatriation must be respected by all parties involved throughout the repatriation process.

2. Programmes in favour of refugees

24. The Plan of Action will in course allow refugees to play a larger and more positive role in the countries of asylum and – in those situations where the authorities so decide – to begin an integration process. This will mutually benefit refugees and the receiving communities. The Plan of Action includes integrated projects, often on a community-wide basis, with a view to overcoming the isolation of refugees and assistance projects.

25. In Costa Rica, the Plan of Action foresees the insertion into the labour market of some 20,000 urban and semi-urban refugees as well al diminishing overcrowding in camps benefiting another 10,000 refugees in El Salvador, assistance for the socio-economic integration of 1,500 refugees (CIREFCA/89/4, project 1); and in Honduras development in favour of 37,000 refugees (CIREFCA/89/2, projects l, 2 and 4). In addition, the Plan of Action aims at self-sufficiency/integration in Mexico of 20,000 refugees in Campeche and Quintana Roo and the gradual self-sufficiency of another 23,000 refugees in Chiapas (CIREFCA/89/7, projects 1 and 2); in Nicaragua, the socio-economic integration of 1,000 refugees (CIREFCA/89/8, project 2), and in Belize, the integration of 5,000 refugees (CIREFCA/89/5, projects l to 7). The Government of Guatemala is currently preparing, for its part, projects in favour of refugees in that country.

26. These projects are based on the desire expressed by the Governments to undertake activities in favour of refugees which, in so far as possible, will be adapted to the standard of living of the relevant local communities and will benefit the local population. Among other activities should be noted the development of employment opportunities, the strengthening of public services, the conservation of natural resources and the enrichment of the national cultural heritage, with full respect for the ethnic values of the relevant population groups. Bearing in mind the option of voluntary repatriation, possibilities to contribute to an interchange with the refugees' communities of origin will be considered in the context of the tripartite activities which have been established for such purposes.

27. In accordance with existing laws, the Governments of asylum countries propose to regularize the migratory situation of refugees. To this effect, funds have been foreseen under several projects to reinforce government institutions responsible for supervising the co-ordination and implementation of governmental policies concerning refugees. Two countries have developed special projects to meet these needs (CIREFCA/89/2, projects 5 and 61; CIREFCA/89/5, project 4).

3. Programmes in favour of internal and external displaced persons

28. The number of internally displaced Central Americans is much greater than that of refugees and their needs can be as important. In the context of seeking solutions to problems caused by the massive displacement of population groups in the region, the affected countries have also included these persons as beneficiaries of multisectoraldevelopment projects. Once again, as in the case of other groups of beneficiaries, the programme aiming at facilitating the integration of displaced persons uses an integrated approach in order to achieve its goals and also to benefit the communities where the internally displaced persons are living.

29. The projects contemplated in the Plan of Action are aimed at a part of the population of internally displaced persons and foresee, at the moment, integral assistance for 43,000 internally displaced persons in El Salvador (CIREFCA/89/4, project 4), basic assistance to some 12,500 in Guatemala (CIREFCA/89/3, projects 1 and 2); and integral assistance to some 90,000 in Nicaragua (CIREFCA/89/8), projects 1 and 3 to 7).

30. These projects reflect the necessity to provide a humanitarian treatment to internally displaced persons, which presumes, in principle, facilitating the return to their homes end the reconstruction of their communities, or their location in other areas of the national territory or in places where they are actually living. In any of these possibilities, the common objective is the integration of internally displaced persons and their participation in the development process in the same conditions as other nationals of the country.

31. The Plan of Action also foresees assistance to externally displaced persons. The relevant projects include improving infrastructure and providing support to the sectors most affected by the massive presence of externally displaced persons, as wall as integral and multisectoral assistance for 100,000 externally displaced persons in Costa Rica (CIREFCA/89/6, project 3), and similar assistance benefitinq 37,000 externally displaced persons in Honduras (CIREFCA/89/2, project 3).

32. These projects in favour of externally displaced persons reflect the necessity to provide them with a humanitarian treatment and with integral and multisectoralassistance, taking into consideration as well fostering conditions so that the individuals concerned can lead a normal life. In so far as externally displaced persons voluntarily return to their country, the Plan of Action proposes to facilitate their access to programmes in favour of returnees.

PART TWO

Follow-up and promotion mechanisms

A. The Conference and the special programme of economic

co-operation for Central America

33. Bearing in mind that the preparation of the Plan of Action has made it possible to update and complement the chapter on refugees and displaced persons contained in the special programme of economic co-operation for Central America, it is considered that the combination of humanitarian and development objectives requires a follow-up mechanism able to focus duly on the needs of the beneficiary groups and salve them in an expeditious and flexible manner.

34. The aforementioned requires a flexible mechanism for follow-up and promotion, capable of reaching decisions at the national level while promoting international support, and using instruments already defined in the special programme of economic co-operation for Central America for sectoral programmes and specific projects. As a result, the affected countries adopt the follow-up and promotion mechanisms as described below, in order to enable the specific objectives and proposals contained in the Plan of Action and the mobilization of international co-operation to be implemented, with the collaboration of the Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme.

B. Mechanisms at the national level

35. A national co-ordinating committee will be established in each country and will include the competent national authorities; the committee will facilitate the detailed formulation of project proposals end will benefit from the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme and will be responsible for the final approval of the projects. For the implementation of projects, it will solicit the necessary financial support which will be channelled as the Governments agree, bearing in mind the procedures established by the donor countries, by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and by the United Nations Development programme or other international agencies. The national committee will also prepare reports on the implementation of the Plan of Action in its country.

36. The national committee will also establish and promote a regular and flexible co-ordination between national and international implementing agencies and non-governmental organizations participating in the planning or in the implementation of projects included in the Plan of Action.

37. In addition, the national committee may establish support groups with the participation of national authorities, representatives of donor countries, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Development Programme, other interested international agencies and financial institutions and non-governmental organizations. The support groups will meet regularly and their purpose will be to assure periodic consultations for the follow-up, the promotion and mobilisation of support and resources; as decided by each government, the support groups will collaborate with the national co-ordinating committee in the preparation of reports on the implementation of the Plan of Action.

38. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme will jointly offer, on a continuous basis, the necessary co-operation to the national committee and assist in the identification of resources for all projects in the Plan of Action. The role of each organization will depend on the specific population group, the type of activity envisaged, and the organization's mandate in co-ordination with the national committee.

C. Support of tripartite bodies

39. The tripartite bodies which asylum countries, countries of origin and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees have formed to facilitate and promote voluntary repatriation will support those activities which in this context will be carried out under the Plan of Action and will facilitate communication, co-ordination and evaluation as necessary.

D. International mechanisms

40. The affected countries of the region, with the support of the Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme, will continue taking part at the international level in the Follow-up Committee of the International Conference on Central American Refugees. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme will provide the necessary facilities for carrying out the activities of the follow-up Committee. The Follow-up Committee, under the rotating chairmanship of each Government, will meet at least once a year to evaluate the implementation of the Plan of Action and co-ordinate additional support activities. To that end, it will receive the reports of the national co-ordination committee, whose representatives will meet in preparatory meetings prior to the meetings of the Follow-up Committee.

41. The Follow-up Committee will invite representatives of interested countries and other entities to its annual meeting in order to inform them on the contents of the reports of the national committees, to carry out a joint evaluation of the progress achieved in implementing the Plan of Action, promote support and the mobilization of resources and finalize commitments for financing and co-operation.

42. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees will communicate the conclusions of these meetings in his reports to the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme and to the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 43/118. The United Nations Development Programme will report to its Governing Council and to the various bodies included in the implementing mechanisms of the special programme of economic co-operation for Central America, in so far as it concerns beneficiary countries of the Special Programme.

43. The national committees of American countries will send progress reports on the implementation of the Plan of Action in each country to the Vice-Presidents' forum in order to establish the relevant co-ordination with the special programme of economic co-operation for Central America.

[a]               A/42/521-S/19085.

[b]               A/C.3/43/6, annex.

[c]               OAS/Ser.P-AG/doc.2370/88/Rev.1.

[d]               A/42/949, annex.

[e]               United Nations, Treaty Series, No. 2545, vol. 189, p. 137.

[f]               Ibid., No. 8791, vol. 606, p. 267.

[g]               OAS/Ser.L/V.II.66, doc. 10, rev. 1, pp. 190-193.

[h]               CIREFCA/89/9.