RESTRICTED
11
to return several countries also should assist with re-integration
assistance in villages of origin. UNHCR is acting or prepared to act at any
stage of the process within its competence.
For all groups and whenever possible, since resettlement and voluntary
repatriation do not appear to be the total answer, self-sufficiency schemes on
a regional level should be envisaged and vigorously pursued within the context of regional burden sharing. Time is pressing. Some refugees have wasted
years in camps. Some strive unsuccessfully for their well-being. Some fear
for their safety. We are trying to enter into each detail of a particularly
complex problem, in a renewed effort to seek durable solutions of a
humanitarian nature.
Among the encouraging aspects of the overall problem, I would mention the
momentum gradually gained by the Programme of Orderly Departures from the
Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. In 1983, up to 30 September, 12,918 persons
left Viet Nam under the programme as against 10,057 for the whole of 1982. Last week, for the third consecutive year, we had talks with a delegation from
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam during which the evolution of this
programme was the main concern. These talks, which also give the opportunity for conversations with all interested parties including resettlement countries, have proved fruitful in tackling difficulties, consolidating
progress, and improving results.
There are
I would also mention the problem of unaccompanied minors.
currently some 4,000 of them in refugee camps in South East Asia. Many do not have relatives in third countries and may not qualify for current resettlement
programmes. Some have been rejected by several countries and have been in
camps for a number of years. Initiatives such as the recently liberalised processing of minors by the United States will help in providing solutions for
some of them. We cannot, however, allow unaccompanied minors to remain in
refugee camps indefinitely.
New initiatives must be provided to cope with
this special problem.
RESTRICTED