Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694840717864.pdf (Mauritius)
Commission : UNHCR Sponsors Canada, Cote D’Ivoire, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany : Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Page 1 of 2 QUESTION OF: REDUCING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF REFUGEE CAMPS The General Assembly, Affirming that human well-being and environmental concerns are closely linked, so appropriate decisions and actions need to be made to benefit both refugees and the environment, Expressing deep concern about the rate of deforestation as well as soil erosion, loss of wildlife and non-timber products, and loss of biological diversity in and around refugee camps as refugee families use wood for cooking, heating and shelter, Aware that the presence of a large number of refugees puts pressure on limited resources and the inappropriate or overuse of these resources equally affects the environment, local people and refugees, Fully aware that food crisis might lead to acute malnutrition, placing people at risk of permanent injury and death and that an increased number of dead bodies may contaminate water sources such as rivers, canals and thus induce water-borne diseases, Deploring the indoor and outdoor air pollution caused by concentrated use of biomass fuels, the depletion or contamination of aquifers, and unaltered pattern of transmission of certain diseases, the impact of which is both borne by refugee and host populations, Deeply regretting that refugees perform open defecation, putting themselves in danger of deadly fecal-oral diseases like diarrhea, also causing soil pollution and contamination of water bodies, Deeply convinced that environmental planning is crucial at all phases of refugee operations, 1.
Acknowledges the need for rehabilitation activities including reforestation of affected areas which may be done by natural re- growth of trees through direct seeding; Commission : UNHCR Sponsors Canada, Cote D’Ivoire, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany : Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Page 2 of 2 2.

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Requests control of waste water and introduction of drainage facilities or other remedial measures to prevent accumulation of stagnant or polluted water around refugee shelter areas; Recommends the use of innovative energy saving stoves and LPG to reduce toxic emissions up to 98%; Promotes the use of solar Blazing Tube cookers provided to 601 households by the UNHCR, which has helped reduce the use of firewood; the Encourages the establishment of a larger number of smaller camps to mitigate the environmental impact in sensitive zones; large camps reduction of through 6.
Welcomes waste recycling of products such as bottles that can be sold in order to generate revenue or recycling of compost, which is then used as organic fertilizer for urban agriculture and gardening; 7.

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Appeals to UNHCR to promote the provision of ready-to-eat food items, taking into account the cultural acceptability of the food as well as the easy environmental friendly disposal of containers; Trusts the maintenance of water sources and storage facilities against pollution, ensuring proper management of waste water to limit water contamination and increasing access to potable water; Approves that regular garbage clean up must be carried out so as to get rid of hazardous wastes and to maintain hygiene; 10.
Suggests that sponsorship from the host countries’ government or funds from NGOs can help to provide better healthcare and prevent proliferation of diseases and fund the building of hospitals for refugees.