United Nations: Emphasising that there is a link between poverty and refugee flows, India has told the international community that a "durable solution" to refugee problem would remain "elusive" unless the fundamental issue of development is addressed.

It warned that a development-based approach limited only to refugees would not only remain a "quick fix" and incomplete but might even exacerbate inequalities at the local level.

"The development agenda, therefore, has to underpin international efforts to ensure prevention and address the needs of relief and rehabilitation of refugees," its delegate Rashid Alvi, MP, told a United Nations committee yesterday (Nov 11, 2004).

In this context, he said, it is imperative to address the global development agenda, including achievement of the goals set by the world leaders at the UN millennium summit.

These include halving absolute poverty by 2015.

Stating that repatriation is the "most durable" solution, Alvi said the international community must provide the "requisite, sustained, multi-dimensional" support to ensure the durable reintegration of those who have returned to their countries of origin.