Future Plans and Durable Solutions for War Affected Population in FR of Yugoslavia

Abstract

Judging by the future plans expressed in the Census, 410.3 thousand refugees and other war affected persons intend to permanently settle in the FR of Yugoslavia, while approximately 54 thousand persons are planning repatriation. The census results show that the younger, better educated, employed and those with their own apartments, more than others wish to remain in the FR of Yugoslavia. War-affected persons of other than Serb nationality, the elderly, pensioners, the unemployed and those accommodated in collective centers, to a greater extent plan to repatriate.

In order to find durable solutions it is important also to analyze the number of war-affected persons and the conditions under which they would return to their previous habitual residence. According to the survey, conducted by the Economic institute, a mere 4.0% of the respondents replied that they would return "regardless of everything, while a further 3.9% would return if they were given guarantees regarding their safety. An important factor for 34.2% of the respondents, in addition to their safety is the existence of appropriate financial conditions, while 57.9% would not return, under any circumstances.

Although the future plans of the refugees cannot be considered as being definite, finding durable solutions, especially in the sphere of refugee integration cannot be left to spontaneous processes. Rather this requires the formulation of a programme that must be development oriented and designed so that conflicts with the local population are avoided. A precisely defined legal and institutional framework is necessary for integration. Both in this sphere, and especially in the part which will remain humanitarian in character, international assistance is indispensable.