REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON OHCHR FIELD PRESENCE

UNCLAS SAN SALVADOR 001225

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ES PHUM PREL
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON OHCHR FIELD PRESENCE
(EL SALVADOR)

REF: SECSTATE 73151


1. According to the United Nations High Commissioner on
Refugees (UNHCR) website, the UNHCR no longer maintains a
full office in El Salvador, but has a representative to
assist in the processing of refugees. The Political Section
contacts the UNHCR representative, Desiree Massier, annually
for information regarding the processing of refugees into El
Salvador. Ms. Massier has always been helpful in providing
information to the Embassy; she can be reached at (503)
2240-0445.


2. On May 8, POLOFF spoke with Ms. Massier regarding the
projects the UNHCR currently has in El Salvador; she noted
that El Salvador is no longer either a major source or
recipient of refugees. (Note: There are currently three
refugees approved from Colombia, and in addition four
Colombians and one Russian have requested refugee status and
are undergoing processing procedures. She indicated that the
Russian is likely to request permanent placement in Canada.
End Note.) Ms. Massier reported that the UNHCR recently had
to move their office because the foundation where they were
formerly located, the Foundation for the Studies for the
Application of the Law (FESPAD),had been advocating against
acceptance of refugees. The UNHCR now has its operations at
the Anglican Church in San Salvador.


3. Sonia Guandique, Deputy to the Ombudsman for Human Rights
Office (PDDH),indicates that the UNHCR no longer provides
training and technical assistance to the PDDH. According to
Doras Rivas of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the current
Ombudsman, Beatrice de Carillo, believed that the activities
represented a conflict of interest, and prevented her office
from making independent decisions at the Committee on Refugee
Status (CODER). (Note: The CODER determines which refugees
are granted permanent status in El Salvador. End Note.)


4. Comment: The UNHCR presence in El Salvador is small, and
is likely to remain so due to the relative political
stability in the region. Although low levels of refugee
processing do not warrant increased engagement with the UNHCR
at this time, the Political Section will continue to maintain
communication with the UNHCR and others involved in refugee
processing.
Barclay