EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE
HKK
243/2
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY KG.
10 OCT 1983
HIGH COMMISSIONER'S PROGRAMMEDESK OFACen
Thirty-fourth session
SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
INDEX
On VR the mult
ISI
previas RASKO papers pla
Distr.
RESTRICTED
EC/SCP/30
1 September 1983
Original: ENGLISH
ON INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION
PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE RESCUE OF ASYLUM-SEEKERS
IN DISTRESS AT SEA
(Submitted by the Eigh Commissioner)
Introduction
1.
The problem cf rescue of asylum-seekers in distress at sea continues to give rise to serious concern. Accoring to available statistics, significantly fewer Inco-Chinese refugees are currently being rescued at sea than in previous years, both in absolute numbers as well as a proportion of total boat arrivals. Between December 1982 and mid-March 1983, no refugees rescued at sea arrived in Singapore, normally the principal port of refugee disembarkation. During the month of February 1983, no refugee was rescued at
This was the first month since 1979 that no rescue took place in the
sea.
erea.
2.
The number of countries whose vessels rescued refugees in distress at sea decreased from 33 in 1981 to 13 up to the end of August 1983. In
addition, not all countries in the region allow disembarkation of refugees and thus force ships to continue their voyage with persons aboard for whose further presence the vessels are not equippeć. This appears to be a disincentive to further rescue.
3.
Shipowners and masters of vessels have stated that they again anticipated financial losses cue to delays encountered in picking up and disembarking refugees. UNHCR nas also been advised of certain changes in contractual arrangements concerning the frequently used "time charters" which, contrary to earlier practice, now burden shipowners with expenditure incurred through the rescue of refugees in distress at sea. This could serve as a deterrent to shipmasters when considering rescue. UNHCR has learnt, however, that in some instances, compensation for expenses and delays of diversion together with consequential losses is provided through Protection and Indemnity.Clubs ("P & I Clubs").
Action taken by UNHCR
4.
In order better to inform shipowners and masters of appropriate and accepted procedures, UNHCR published in 1983 the "Guidelines for Disembarkation of Refugees" which have since been distributed to Governments, shipping councils, shipowners and shipping circles. These guidelines explain in some detail established procedures which should be followed whenever refugees are rescued. They also give addresses where further help can be obtained and explain what costs are reimbursed by UNHCR. UNHCR field offices in the region report that in fact ships ac not suffer any celays when disembarking refugees if the established procedures described in the quidelines are followed.
GE.83-03083