only scant and unequal attention from the international community, that the resources currently available to UNHCR were far from adequate and that the A/AC.96/SR.449 page 8 financial crisis had entailed repeated budgetary cut-backs. It was to be hoped that, in the light of those realities, the donor countries would, while emphasizing the need for more rational use of resources, make more extensive financial commitments and agree to asstjme greater responsibility for refugees. Although the Working Group had adopted its report by consensus, that consensus did not reflect a genuine agreement on the facts, and in particular on the need for the international commtmity to bear part of the very heavy burden imposed on the developing countries, themselves grappling with enormous economic difficulties, by the presence of millions of refugees on their territory. There were nearly 15 million refugees worldwide at the present time. It was xmthinkable that they should be denied the assistance to which they were entitled on the pretext of saving a few dollars. 38. As far as priority-setting, in particular, was concerned, the proper criterion was that of the needs of refugees, which, according to UNHCR, should be determined in the light of several factors: characteristics and socio-economic profile of the refugees; the socio-economic environment of the country of asylum; physical environment and availability of natural resources and the prospects of durable solutions. As needs varied considerably from one group of refugees to another, it was vital to take into accoiint the specificities of each situation when referring to the essential needs of refugees. 39. His delegation supported the recommendations of the Temporary Working Group on rationalization and better use of resources, provided they did not prejudice the situation of refugees. It also hoped, as the Working Group 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the challenges faced by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in providing aid to refugees, citing budgetary constraints and the need for more financial commitments from donor countries. The text also highlights the importance of prioritizing refugee needs, taking into account factors such as the socio-economic profile of the refugees and the country of asylum. These themes suggest that the text is primarily concerned with humanitarian aid and relief, rather than economic development or other categories.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief