under consideration should be implemented as swiftly as possible to safeguard direct assistance to refugees, and it welcomed those measures which had already been taken by the High Commissioner. 41. The United Kingdom would continue to be a major and reliable supporter of UNHCR's work and contributed generously both to its core budget and to its appeals for refugee assistance in all parts of the world. During the past decade its level of funding had increased significantly and in 1988 and 1989 had averaged approximately $35 million per annum for General and Special Programmes. At such an early stage in the financial year, it was not possible to confirm the total amount his country expected to contribute in 1990, but it hoped to reach at least the average level of the past two years. Some $22 million had so far been committed. 42. While the focus of the session was inevitably on the General Programmes, for which his Government had announced core support of some $6.8 million, an increase of 11 per cent over 1989, the Executive Committee should not forget the importance of many of the Special Programme appeals which sought the implementation of durable solutions or were of major htimanitarian significance, such as the Comprehensive Plan of Action for Indo-Chinese Refugees. The United Kingdom had already pledged close to $15.5 million for Special Programmes in 1990 and was considering what further assistance it could provide. The above figures took no account of the substantial contribution his country made to the European Community's assistance to UNHCR and to British non-governmental organizations working with UNHCR on refugee projects, or of assistance in dealing with the problems facing Hong Kong. 43. Both donor and refugee hosting countries shared a common interest in ensuring that the maximum amount of income was spent on direct refugee 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the financial contributions and commitments made by the United Kingdom to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support refugee assistance and relief efforts. The language used is focused on financial support, appeals, and pledges, suggesting a humanitarian aid and relief context.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief