They have fundamentally humanitarian and human rights dimensions, and these dimensions can be useful in their resolution. The regime is flexible, but it should not be used so flexibly that it loses its substance and is no longer recognizable as a human rights based legal framework. The fundamental principles upon which the regime is based must continue to be respected. Only then will the grant of asylum and the vital work toward solutions be objectively defensible in the often sensitive political arena, both in inter-state relations and before critical domestic audiences. Asylum also offers the opportunity for human rights education.
Refugees take home the lessons they learn during their asylum.
Recent initiatives by my Office include projects to develop the teaching of human rights, education for peace and conflict resolution in refugee camps and settlements. We will work with refugee children, youth and adults to raise awareness of human rights norms and to improve both the skills and attitudes of refugees to live together in a pluralistic environment respectful of the rights of all. This brings me back to the issue I stressed at the beginning, that some of the most important aspects of our work in protecting refugees come in preparing the ground for repatriation, in consolidating the situation in countries of origin after return, and in supporting lasting returnee reintegration. Repatriation and reintegration are indispensable for reconciliation, and reconciliation is indispensable for viable peace. This work is part and parcel of the asylum regime itself.