was also reluctant to embark on fund raising and to make UNHCR compete with non-governmental organizations or UNICEF. 12. The fourth pillar of his strategy was political tools. It was important to use political initiatives to ease tensions to prevent a refugee situation from emerging by helping people before they became refugees and contribute to solutions of existing problems. 13. Voluntary repatriation, the fifth pillar, was the best solution of all. At the present time, there were opportunities for voluntary repatriation. Namibia was a perfect example; 43,000 Namibians had been repatriated and UNHCR could report that the job had been done. As a result of the developments in Europe, he saw no reason to anticipate new refugees at present; indeed, refugees should be able to return to their countries of origin. In Cambodia, the Secretary-General had designated UNHCR as the lead agency for the repatriation of some 300,000 Cambodian refugees and displaced persons. In Central America, UNHCR was trying to contribute to the peace process through its involvement in the return of Nicaraguans to their country. During the first three months of 1990, the voluntary return of some 7,700 Salvadorian refugees from Honduras had brought that protracted refugee problem to a successful conclusion. UNHCR was striving to identify ways and means of promoting the voluntary return of Afghan refugees and was hopeful that recent statistics showing that each day some 150 families returned might create a momentum which could lead to the voluntary repatriation of more than 100,000 persons within the next four months. Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran had been most generous in receiving some 5 to 6 million refugees from Afghanistan. UNHCR had received informal notice that it could have an important job to do in assisting the return of South African 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the strategies and initiatives taken by the UNHCR to address refugee situations and promote voluntary repatriation. It highlights the organization's efforts to ease tensions, prevent refugee situations, and contribute to solutions of existing problems. The text focuses on political and humanitarian aspects, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and assistance in resolving refugee crises.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, International relations