OSI Special Report June 1995: Repatriation in Georgia

The Open Society Institute's Forced Migration Projects monitor circumstances in the former Soviet Union and other parts of the world in order to give early warning of forced movements of people and to identify conditions which may cause dislocations. The Forced Migration Projects encourage early and effective humanitarian responses to migration emergencies; advocate the humane treatment of those unable to return; urge permanent solutions for those displaced; and promote measures that avert individuals' need to flee. The Open Society Institute (OSI) is a private operating foundation that was established in 1993 to promote the development of open societies around the world. Toward this goal, OSI engages in a number of regional and country-specific projects relating to education, media, legal reform, health care, and human rights. In addition, OSI undertakes projects aimed at encouraging debate and disseminating information on a range of issues which are insufficiently explored in the public realm.

Contents

Preface

Part One: Background on the Region The Abkhaz Capital of Sukhumi The City of Gali and Its Environs The Georgian Cities of Zugdidi and Kutaisi

Part Two: Views of the UNHCR Repatriation Plan The Abkhaz Position The Georgian Position The Russian Position The UN Observer Mission and the CIS Peacekeeping Force

Part Three:The Repatriation Plan The Plan in Brief The Cost of the Program Flaws in the Plan Why the Plan Failed

Part Four: Resolving the Crisis Establishing Basic Physical  Security Cooperation Among International Organizations and NGOs Linking Political Settlement and Economic Reconstruction The Lessons of Abkhazia

Part Five: The International Response to Population Displacement in the Former Soviet Union Understanding Political and Administrative Structures A Model Agreement for International Relief Organizations Educating the Public about Humanitarian Principles Preemptive Study  and Planning International Institutional Mandates Recruitment of More Effective UN Field Staff Working with Russia toward a Long-term Solution

Notes

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