We must continue and augment traditional efforts to encourage voluntary repatriation. Together with other concerned governments, we are also suggesting a series of measures in the Great Lakes region, including camp consolidation, targeted application of the cessation and exclusion clauses, and phasing out assistance to existing camps that are too close to borders, while providing viable alternatives for those who continue to fear return. We welcome Guatemala's commitment to reintegration and Mexico's generous offer of permanent resettlement. We are confident that the challenges of sustainable integration will be met in both countries. A solution which deserves special note is third country resettlement.
Resettlement is an important tool of protection.
Granted, the numbers resettled each year are dwarfed by those in countries of first asylum. Coordination and cooperation among governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations are key elements in the search for solutions. Protection is fundamental to any comprehensive approach. Providing protection for persons who have a well-founded fear of persecution is the responsibility of every government here today. The High Commissioner is mandated to keep a close watch on the state of protection of refugees in the world.