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c) Working Group on Situation in Indo China
The discussion of these problems in South East Asia led to a consideration of the Working Group on the situation in Indo China that had met as a sub-committee of the SCOR Asia Committee.
The
Martin Barber reported that the group had met frequently and had essentially developed two papers which had been discussed in some detail at UNHCR during their Executive Committee. The basic principle of the proposals put forward was to use a screening procedure with other appropriate humane arrangements to aim to slow down the number of people leaving Vietnam, and to ensure that genuine refugees could continue to find asylum in South East Asia and have opportunities for resettlement. work of the group met with some opposition and disagreement, and was misunderstood by many. Faced with this, the group had decided not to meet again, as there was no way they could take the proposals further.
In discussion it was felt that there were now pressing issues which did need in-depth consideration. It was agreed that since the situation in South East Asia had changed since the last Working Group met 6-8 months ago, it was now appropriate and necessary to refer discussion of these matters to a Working Group. This group may decide to invite input from UNHCR, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Hong Kong Government Office. The group would meet and report back to the Asia Committee with recommendations.
a)
Report on Thailand
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There was general concern about prospects for Kampuchean and Laotian refugees in Thailand.
Bernard Llewellyn had been in Thailand in February and he reported on the situation there. He had found rapidly changing circumstances. The agencies in the camps were feeling it would probably be their last year there, as there is a great degree of uncertainty about the future. had also visited camps in the frontier area, where there appeared to be considerable tightening-up.
Nancy Muller reported that Ockenden's Director in Thailand had been making plans to tail off all programmes towards repatriation.
He
It had been hoped that a Foreign Office official would report on Lord Carrington's visit to Thailand, but unfortunately he could not be present. It was noted that it is a cause for concern that people should be repatriated or relocated if it is felt to be hazardous to their welfare. This, and the whole situation in Thailand, would be considered in detail by the Working Group.
Aid to Vietnam
This item arose out of a letter from Magdalena Gardner-Brown of Cambodia Compassion who was not able to attend, and the issue of aid to Vietnam was therefore left for discussion by the Working Group.
Biharis in Bangladesh
The problem of Biharis is a most intractable one. They are Pakistan citizens who live in Bangladesh, the majority of whom want to go to what is left of Pakistan. Those who are left in Bangladesh live in camps in appalling conditions.
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