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Second, the countries of the region where the refugces arrive nced to respond, and be enabled to respond, in a manner that prevents appalling tragedy. Every humanitarian principle requires that refugees not be turned away and forced into situations that further endanger their lives. .
Third, the international community, in its widest sense, must unite in a truly co-operative and concerted endeavour so that actions and commit- ments, of an on-going character, do indeed give the refugees the charce of new lives and also provide the reassurance that the countries of South-East Asia need as long as the problem lasts.
38. It is essential to meet the first of these objectives in order that the exodus does not continue in the present appalling manner. This is a responsibility of the Governments concerned.
39.
Nothing, however, should obscure the immediate duty of the inter- national community towards those who seek asylum. Their problems cannot wait.
40. The observations and suggestions that follow call for closely inter- linked actions. Without a recognition of this, there is danger that the efforts of the international community will remain insufficient.
(i)
There is at the moment a "back-log" in South-East Asian camps of over 350,000 persons, awaiting durable solutions. As a first, but considerable step, it is necessary to reduce this "back-log". This must be achieved by a much higher monthly rate of departures from the camps in South- East Asia than at present. This means excceding the average rate of arrivals which, it is most carnestly to be hoped, will decline.
(ii)
In practical terms, the offers of resettlement made available over a 12-month span, need now to be fully used within a maximum of six months.
(iii) Ideally movement even at this rate should be directly to countries of resettlement. Such an effort would immediately ease the situa- tion. If this should not be fully possible, however, alternatives are essential. Clearly, the alternatives imply the identification and establish- ment of Refugee Processing Centres or Holding Centres of a far greater capacity than presently made known. Governments in a position to offer sites for such centres, whether within or beyond the region, should advise UNHCR of the possibility.
(iv)
These urgent measures should be taken irrespective of the total numbers to be resettled. The problem requires sufficient on-going commitments, but swift action, now, to reduce the "back-log" is essential to bring the problem under control and will advance the achievement of an
over-all solution.
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