Chief of UN refugee agency heading to United States for official visit

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is set to embark tomorrow for his annual visit to the United States, where he is expected to meet with senior government officials in an effort to highlight the agency’s major operations that require greater attention and support.

According to a UNHCR spokesman, during his three-day visit, Ruud Lubbers is expected to focus on the dire need in West Africa and Afghanistan.

Mr. Lubbers, who just completed an eight-day visit to West Africa, will discuss his findings and impressions from that mission. Additional programmes in Africa will also be covered, including East Africa, where the High Commissioner travelled in mid-April.

The repatriation of Iraqi refugees, US domestic issues, including the need to offer temporary protection to Colombians, as well as UNHCR’s management issues and the overall funding situation for 2004 are likely to be key issues also to be discussed.

The United States is UNHCR’s single largest donor.