Einstein was a refugee. Not all refugees are so exceptional, but many do bring amazing capacities and talents not just a small bundle of belongings. The human rights tradition calls for tolerance among people an acceptance that others can be different. The idea of tolerance speaks to the relationship between groups in society. But I want to stress that beyond tolerance lies respect respect based upon an appreciation of each individual s dignity and worth.
Refugees achieve durable solutions one at a time individually.
They must be empowered to restart their lives. This is why we emphasise respect beyond mere tolerance for refugees. Racism and xenophobia can present serious obstacles in the search for solutions to refugee problems through local integration and resettlement. The restoration of effective national protection lies at the heart of sustainable return. In some of the most challenging returnee situations today such as East Timor and Kosovo the international community must create basic institutions of national protection that never before existed.