A/RES/56/220 A-B all aspects of sustainable development, including vulnerability reduction and mitigation, and the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Stressing the importance of a well-coordinated approach to implementing such a strategy, and welcoming in this respect the appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan as the coordinator for the United Nations system, Noting with deep concern that a significant number of Afghan refugees remain in neighbouring countries, as conditions in many parts of Afghanistan are still not conducive to a safe and sustainable return of the majority of refugees, and acknowledging that those refugees constitute a continuing socio-economic burden for the host countries, Expressing its gratitude to all Governments that have rendered assistance to Afghan refugees, as well as to the Governments of neighbouring countries that continue to host Afghan refugee populations, and at the same time once again calling upon all parties to continue to fulfil their obligations for the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons and to allow international access for their protection and care, Expressing its appreciation to the United Nations system and to all States and international and non-governmental organizations that have responded positively and continue to respond, where conditions permit, to the humanitarian needs of Afghanistan, as well as to the Secretary-General for his efforts in mobilizing and coordinating the delivery of appropriate humanitarian assistance, 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General, 3 and endorses the observations contained therein; 2. Stresses that the responsibility for the solution of the humanitarian crisis lies above all with the Afghan people themselves, and urges them to attach the highest priority to national reconciliation; 3. Urges all Afghan groups to call a complete halt to the use of landmines and to cooperate fully with the United Nations Mine Action Programme; 4. Calls upon all relevant organizations of the United Nations system to continue to coordinate closely their humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan on the basis of the principles laid out in the Strategic Framework for Afghanistan, and appeals to donor countries as well as other humanitarian organizations to cooperate closely with the United Nations, taking into account the priorities and requirements outlined in the donor alert and subsequent appeals; 5. Stresses the coordinating role of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan for the United Nations system in the development and implementation of a strategy and process for a seamless connection between humanitarian relief and the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Afghanistan, including the cooperation of the United Nations system with the international community, in particular those countries actively engaged in humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, as well as the international financial institutions; _______________ 3 A/56/687. 5