These are questions which confront States as much as they do the international organizations. The questions are clearly interrelated, as are the responses. This is why I advocate a comprehensive strategy, which focuses on meeting the needs of the victims as well as the concerns of States, while seeking to find solutions to their problems and promoting measures to prevent further outflows. I have already initiated an internal process towards this goal. I know that the Informal Consultations is also contributing to increasing awareness on the need for a multi-dimensional approach to the refugee problem.
Prevention is a controversial concept.
In one sense of the word, it can mean building barriers to stop victims of persecution and violence from entering another country. I am convinced that such measures cannot deal with the problem adequately in the long-term. Therefore, a more constructive concept of prevention must be elaborated to tackle the causes which compel people to move. Such a preventive strategy requires a human rights focus in foreign policy matters. It involves encouraging other States to assume their responsibilities to protect their own nationals by setting up effective institutions, laws and procedures that enshrine the principles of human rights and minority protection.