- 3 -
to Laos, has been stalled since March this year.
Negotiations to give
effect to a program of voluntary repatriation of Cambodians have made little
progress. The question of voluntary repatriation to Vietnam has scarcely
been discussed.
From the High Commissioner's introductory statement at
the outset of this session it is clear that he shares the concern of my
Government.
which the
repatriation.
Mr Chairman, my Government notes with appreciation the stress
High Commissioner's recent visit to Thailand placed on voluntary
We welcome the High Commissioner's clear recognition, to-
gether with the support of those Governments involved, that any resolution
of the Indochinese refugee situation must involve a variety of solutions.
Australia, as a country having effective relations with all parties to the
Indochinese refugee situation, stands ready to help the High Commissioner
in his efforts to bring the South East Asian refugee problem to a satisfactory,
humane and lasting resolution.
Asin It is said that economic difficulties in the country of
origin can preclude repatriation. Limitations on the assistance activities
of UNHCR and other international bodies can, it is claimed, stand in the
way of repatriation programs. My Government does not underestimate the
importance of economic and developmental problems in impeding the resolution
of refugee situations. Through the Fund for Durable Solutions, Australia
has contributed to village self-sufficiency projects in Laos aimed at
facilitating re-integration into the Laotion economy and society. Australia
considers that the Fund could serve as a useful model in promoting voluntary
repatriation programs elsewhere in the world.