A group of states calls on UNHCR to inform the populations of the Tindouf camps about “durable solutions options” in light of Resolution 2797

Geneva – The group supporting the role of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in resolving protracted refugee situations called on Thursday in Geneva, during the 77th annual session of the organization’s Executive Committee (ExCom), for the populations of the Tindouf camps to be informed about the various “durable solutions options” available to them, in light of UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and the subsequent diplomatic developments.

“This group of States believes that, in light of UN Security Council resolution 2797 (2025) and subsequent diplomatic developments, a genuine opportunity now exists for populations to access durable solutions that were previously unavailable,” said Ambassador Todd Steggerda, Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN in Geneva, in a statement co-authored with France.

UNHCR and donors should “take steps to inform” camp populations “about the various options available to them and prepare the conditions that will enable them to achieve a more dignified future,” the group emphasized. The group comprises States representing different regions of the world and contributing significantly to UNHCR’s work, both financially and through the mobilization of their national resources.

The group also thanked High Commissioner Barham Salih for “making protracted displacement a priority,” stressing that “ending these situations is essential to ensuring the sustainability of UNHCR’s important work.”

With a renewed focus on durable solutions, the group encouraged UNHCR to “address the root causes of forced displacement, in accordance with its mandate,” emphasizing that “nothing can replace peace.”

The group thus encouraged the Office of the High Commissioner to “seize every opportunity to contribute to political processes, as well as peace and development efforts, that can lead to durable solutions.”

“This includes providing technical expertise in protection, as well as mobilizing States and peace and development actors to develop solutions tailored to specific contexts,” it added.

This statement aligns with Morocco’s position, formally supported by a significant number of ComEx member countries, which on Tuesday called on UNHCR leadership and donor states to refocus their efforts on financing sustainable solutions for the populations of the Tindouf camps, prioritizing voluntary repatriation, integration into the host country or relocation to third countries, based on the free and voluntary choices of the populations concerned.