3
initiative that would contribute to a positive solution to the overall problem of
refugees and displaced persons in South East Asia. Professor Mochtar Kusumaatmadja will meet the High Commissioner in Geneva on 27 March, to pursue further the question of special processing centres.
8.
Questions relating to protection, the cornerstone of UNHCR's activity, were
raised in discussions in each country. In the summing up at the Geneva Consultations
it was noted that "there can be no humane or durable solutions unless governments
grant at least temporary asylum in accordance with internationally accepted humanitarian principles. The consultations also noted, as a corollary, that existing
facilities in countries of first asylum in South East Asia were already over-loaded
and that for such countries temporary asylum depended on commitments for resettlement
in third countries and the avoidance of residual problems in the area." The UNHCR
delegation reiterated that the door must be kept open by countries of first asylum,
both as a matter of principle and as their contribution towards solving the overall
problem.
K
9. The delegation believes that at present there are reasons to be hopeful,
especially if the situation is compared to that which existed in the last months of
1978. These reasons include the decline in arrivals of "boat people" in the first
quarter of 1979, the potential of orderly departure which should provide a humanitarian option, the improving arrangements despite difficulties - in the countries of first asylum to meet the problems posed by the influx, and the
increasing rate of resettlement out of the area. The Consultations in December 1978
underscored the urgency, as well as the regional and international character, of the problem. It was recognized during that meeting that the problem required continuing
commitments on the part of the international community. The potential of orderly departure must be rigorously pursued. The principle of asylum must be maintained,
as must continuing resettlement in third countries. Financial contributions must
continue on an increased scale in order to meet the rising costs of care and
maintenance, resettlement and self-sufficiency projects. If there are reasons to be
hopeful, it is at the same time absolutely essential that the intensive efforts of
all concerned do not slacken and that these efforts be guided by truly humanitarian
considerations.
Geneva, 22 March 1979