Jean-Pierre Hocké facts for kids

Jean-Pierre Hocké was born in Lausanne, Switzerland, on March 31, 1938. He is known for his important work with the International Red Cross and the United Nations. He served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 1986 to 1989.

Before leading the UN refugee agency, Jean-Pierre Hocké was in charge of operations for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This role involved helping people in need around the world. He was chosen for the top UN refugee job by Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, who was the Secretary-General of the United Nations at the time.

Helping Refugees Worldwide

During his time as High Commissioner, Jean-Pierre Hocké faced big challenges. One major issue was the ongoing crisis of refugees from Indochina. These people were often called "boat people" because they fled their homes by sea.

The Boat People Crisis

To help the "boat people," a special plan was created. It was called the Comprehensive Plan of Action for Refugees from Indochina. This plan set up clear steps for deciding who was a refugee. It also helped Vietnamese people who did not qualify as refugees to return safely to Vietnam.

Working for Peace in Central America

Jean-Pierre Hocké also played a part in peace efforts in Central America. He helped to plan a process known as the "CIREFCA Process." This initiative aimed to find solutions for refugees and displaced people in that region. His work focused on helping people affected by conflicts.

Stepping Down from His Role

Towards the end of his term, some questions arose about how certain funds were used. These funds were meant for travel and other expenses. Because of these concerns, Jean-Pierre Hocké decided to step down from his role in 1989. The Secretary-General, Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, agreed that it was time for him to leave the position.