32.
A/34/627
English Page 11
Due attention was given to the problem of rescue at sea during the meeting at Geneva, at which a number of representatives made statements relating to search and rescue operations. In his closing statement, the High Commissioner proposed that a meeting of experts be called to discuss practical steps that could be taken. The proposal was endorsed by the Secretary-General and supported by a number of Governments involved in rescue operations in the area.
33.
It was
Thus, a Meeting of Experts on Rescue Operations for Refugees and Displaced Persons in Distress in the South China Sea took place at Geneva on 14 August 1979, under the chairmanship of the Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees. attended by representatives of 10 Governments and by experts from the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) 2/ and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). During the meeting, there was general recognition and reiteration of the fundamental importance of the issue from the humanitarian standpoint, and of the fact that rescue arrangements should be rendered more effective.
34. It was agreed that consultations should take place between Governments and the shipping community, that appropriate instructions should be issued to ships operating in the South China Sea that, when called upon to do so, they should assist in search and rescue operations in the area. Attention was given to the need for special resettlement arrangements in cases where the flag State is not prepared to provide resettlement guarantees, and consideration was given to avoiding a possible negative impact on the over-all resettlement programme in the area which could result from the inclusion of rescued refugees and displaced persons in existing resettlement quotas. Finally, it was agreed that UNHCR would continue consultations on the problem with Governments, IMCO and other interested organizations.
35.
With regard to practical implementation, UNHCR has been following closely, in liaison with Governments, embassies and agencies concerned, the question of landing and resettlement arrangements for those rescued. This includes such points as disembarkation in the first port of call, resettlement guarantees by flag States, resettlement arrangements as required and provision of care and maintenance pending departure.
36. From 1 January to 30 September 1979, UNHCR had been involved in arrangements for 6,973 persons rescued by 96 ships belonging to 21 countries. Disembarkation took place mainly in Singapore and Japan, with a smaller number in Hong Kong.
F.
Liaison group for Indo-Chinese refugees and displaced persons
37. In his closing statement, the High Commissioner indicated that "a standing co-ordinating mechanism" would group together representatives of the United Nations system, ICEM, ICRC, LRCS and others in the non-governmental sector. A first meeting of the "liaison group" created to this effect took place on 29 August, under the chairmanship of the Deputy High Commissioner, after the return of UNHCR missions sent to South-East Asia. Representatives attended from UNICEF, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Volunteers programme
2/ Discussions took place between members of a senior UNHCR mission and IMCO at London, on 25 July 1979:
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