® F. G. SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY CONVINCED THAT (i) The challenges of refugee protection can be more effectively addressed through Regional and international co-operation; (ii) Member States of SADC will benefit by harmonising and co-ordinating their refugee policies, laws and procedures; RECALLING IN THIS REGARD The General Assembly Resolution AIRES/50/118 of 16th February 1996 and other resolutions affirmed therein requesting the Secretary-General to promote co-operation between the organs, organisations and bodies of the United Nations System and the Southern African Development Community; H. EXPRESSING GRATITUDE To members of the international community, in particular the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, for the assistance they continue to offer to refugees in the SADC Region; WE THEREFORE 1. Reaffirm our commitment to the principles enshrined in the OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa; the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of refugees as amended by the 1967 Protocol thereto and, undertake to respect, and to give full effect at national level, the principles enshrined therein including the principle of non-refoulement and to observe international standards for refugee protection, being well aware of the humanitarian character of asylum. 2. Commit ourselves to address the root causes of refugee movement and internal displacement within SADC through inter-alia the establishment of a firm foundation for democratic institutions and good governance. 3. Seek to avert refugee flows from countries neighbouring the SADC Region through preventive diplomacy, facilitation of resolution of conflicts and reducing tensions, especially where these have potential to creating displacements of people and the flow of refugees in co-operation with the United Nations and OAU. 4. Call upon the international community, the United Nations, the UNHCR in particular, and other relevant organisations to support and assist host Governments in fulfilling their responsibilities towards refugees in a manner consistent with the principles of International refugee law on the one hand, taking into account legitimate national security, social and economic interests; Declaration on Refugee Protection -3