Namibians had been carried out successfully, Namibia was now faced with the enormous problem of reintegrating them into the socio-economic structure of the coxmtry. The authorities, and especially the Ministry of Home Affairs were doing everything in their power to assist the returnees, but it was impossible for a Government which only two months old and which had inherited a war-devastated coimtry, with thousands of young people without a job or a home, to settle the problem on its own. That was why Namibia appealed to the international community, and UNHCR in particular, to continue with the rehabilitation programme for Namibian returnees, with the assitance of other United Nations agencies. 24. Before independence, there had been some 50,000 refugees in Namibia. Some of those refugees had managed to integrate themselves into local communities or to go back to their countries of origin when circijmstances permitted. The Government had offered the rest of the refugees land suitable for cultivation in the northern part of the country. The Cotmcil of Churches in Namibia had agreed to provide the administrative staff to run the settlement zone as well as teachers and nurses. However, UNHCR and other specialized agencies were expected to provide the basic material assistance. A/AC.96/SR.451 page 6 25. His delegation therefore urged UNHCR to retain its office in Windhoek and to assign two or three liaison officers in the north to co-ordinate with the Government on activities related to refugees; it was willing to co-operate fully with UNHCR in finding a lasting solution to the refugee problem in Namibia. 26. Mrs. ESCALER (Observer for the Philippines) noted with appreciation the efforts by UNHCR to assist first asylvim countries, including the Philippines. The Goverment of the Philippines, like the High Commisioner, believed that the time had come to tackle the root causes of refugee migrations and to find 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the challenges faced by Namibia after independence, particularly the reintegration of returnees and refugees into the socio-economic structure of the country. The government is seeking international assistance, specifically from UNHCR, to provide material support and coordination for the rehabilitation program. The text highlights the need for a lasting solution to the refugee problem and the government's willingness to cooperate with UNHCR to achieve this goal.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Employment