There are regional differences which must be taken into account in determining protection forrefugees. The requirement of persecution is abandoned, but the environment as a cause of refugee movement is not recognised. In 1984, the Latin-American states adopted the Cartagena Declaration inresponse to the perceived inadequacies of the 1951 Convention. Both of these instruments include events which 'seriously disturb public order' as recognised reasons for flight, but the applicability of this phrase to environmental degradation or disaster as been discounted. In the West however, we are closing the doors of Fortress Europe and becoming increasinglyrestrictive in our attitude towards asylum.
Much emphasis is placed on humane deterrence' of the economic migrant.
Concepts of burden sharing and international solidarity remain proposals on paper, and are not brought into practice. Activities revolve around the definition of refugee as found in the statute, yet competence has been extended beyond this limited category. The High Commissioner can now pursue his activities for those refugees who 'are his concern'. The humanitarian need of the displaced is thus recognised. This recognition however, extends only to material coordination.