EC/SCP/30 page 2
5. The particular problems of ships flying the flag of States operating an open registry (so-called "flags of convenience") as well as of countries which for a variety of reasons are not able to quarantee permanent admission to refugees are solved through the operation of the DISERO (Disembarkation Resettlement Offers) scheme which was initiated by UNHCR in 1979. Five countries are presently contributing to this scheme and two other countries are considering contributions. However, the number of places presently available for the disembarkation of refugees has fallen to a low level. Governments have therefore been requested to consider participating in this scheme or to renew their contributions in order to facilitate the continued rescue of refugees by vessels covered under the DISERO operation.
6. UNHCR seeks to develop further its co-operation with specialized agencies and organizations in order to solve problems related to the rescue at sea of refugees. In this connection, UNHCR has initiated discussions with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to explore alternative approaches. Specifically, the possibility of another joint UHCR-IMO appeal aimed at ensuring the rescue of asylum-seekers at sea is under consideration. Such an appeal would be aduressed to the 125 member States of IMO as well as to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
1.
Alsc under consideration is the introduction of a draft resolution at the thirteenth session of the General Assembly of the IMO which will be held in London in November 1983. Such a draft resolution would draw the attention of the member States of the IMO to the recent sharp decline in the rescue of refugees in distress at sea and would call upon them to honour the traditional obligation of ships to save life on the high seas.
Action taken by the Executive Committee
In July 1982, a working arcup met in Geneva to discuss the problems related to the rescue of asylum-seekers at sea. Its report was considered by the Executive Committee at its thirty-third session. In its conclusions the
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Committec:
a) noted the report of the working Group of Experts on the Rescue of Asylum-Seekers at Sea (EC/SCP/21);
b) reiterated the fundamental character of the obligation to rescue ́ asylum-seekers in distress at sea;
c) stressed the importance for coastal States, fleg States, countries of resettlement and the international community as a whole to take appropriate steps to facilitate the fulfilment of this obligation in its various aspects;
d) considered that solution of the problems connected with the rescue of asylum-seekers at sea should not only be sought in the context of legal norms but also through practical arrangements aimed at removing as far as possible the difficulties which have been encountered;
æ } noted that the report of the working Group of Experts contained a number of suggestions aimed at achieving such arrangements and called upon UNIICR to examine the feasibility of those suggestions;