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5.
As far as the UNHCR's programme was concerned there was discussion beforehand on what kind of projects should be sponsored. It was not always possible to take up all that were suggested but when once agreed the UNHCR was responsible for implementation
Mr. Hawkes reported that when he was in Vietnam he did enquire about this but did not have much chance of talking to individuals; his impression had been that in the attempt to settle them in villages the people concerned did not have much choice.
INDO CHINESE REFUGEES
a) UNHCR Appeal for Displaced Persons in South East Asia, especially Thailand
and had already paid
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£250,000 to the UNHCR
The UK Government had allocated for its programme in South East Asia, particularly Thailand.
The Appeal had been circulated to the voluntary organisations.
b) Miss Pearce's Visit to Thailand and Philippines
Miss Pearce reported on her visit on behalf of Ockenden, accompanied by the Secretary and Mrs. Marcia Fairbairn, a member of the Ockenden Council and a professional photographer, both in a personal capacity.
The Secretary's own impressions of the tour had been recorded and were tabled.
Miss Pearce had been greatly impressed by the work of the UNHCR whose staff had given generous help both in Thailand and the Philippines and had spent considerable time making plans for visits, in discussion and answering questions.
It was the first time she had seen a full-scale operation being carried out by the UNHCR; this was necessary because neither Thailand nor Philippines wished to offer permanent settlement, therefore help had to be given during their temporary stay.
Miss Pearce had gone to Thailand to see what Ockenden, within uld do its terms of reference,/on the spot. Her visit was largely instigated by the talk
given to the Committee by Mr. Jim Thomson, Refugee Secretary, World Alliance of YMCAs, who had spoken about the need for helping the children and young people in the camps. It was obvious that the YMCA had been a driving force in work for displaced persons in Thailand, initiating the Coordinating Committee for the voluntary organisations, and organising the World YMCA programmes with the aid of volunteers and of Thai people.
The YMCA staff in Bangkok and in the field, the YWCA staff and others, had helped greatly with planning visits and providing background information.
Visits to the Camps
Aranyaprathet situated near the border where there had been attacks on the refugees and on the Thais, some of whom had been moved and were now themselves displaced persons. The camp was now the first post for attack; there was a feeling of depression and hopelessness. Conditions were not bad but some lack of organisation led to failure of pumps etc which caused problems with water.
Handicraft schemes were being set up by the YWCA.
Project Vietnam Orphans was very active in milk distribution, English classes, playgroups etc.
Nan Area
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This was a region of unrest with a record of ambushes, shooting of local people etc. There was strict security and it was not possible to get into one
of the camps.
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Sob Thuang Camp was situat In a beautiful mountain area to which UNHCR had built a road. The refugees here were the hill tribes of Laos who would have to adjust to a completely new way of living.