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In response to a question raised by the Representative of Norway concerning RASRO, UNHCR indicated that a problem often encountered is the inability of governments to resettle refugees before the 90 days' period after disembarkation. Thus UNHCR has very little or no time to approach another country if the first country rejects the resettlement application. UNHCR wishes to bring this problem to the attention of the Missions with a view to accelerating the decision-making process.
The Representative of Australia stated that the reporting on the RASRO and DISERO schemes could be improved. UNHCR took note and indicated that a full evaluation of the RASRO scheme would take place in April. On the basis of this evaluation recommendations for the future would be made.
The Representative of the United States stated that four countries are at present taking the heaviest burden of resettling Indochinese refugees. It was nevertheless encouraging to hear other countries put forward their plans to receive more refugees.
b) Iranian Refugees
UNHCR stated that Iranians in Pakistan are becoming increasingly desperate because their resettlement opportunities are very limited. It was further argued that one of the reasons for "irregular" movements of Iranians from many countries is the fact that refugees become frustrated during prolonged waiting for the outcome of their resettlement applications. It would therefore be appreciated if governments could accelerate the decision making process. Refugees who are members of religious minorities usually get priority for resettlement and other refugees recognize that their own prospects for resettlement are slim, as could be seen from the resettlement statistics distributed at the meeting.
The Representative of the Netherlands said that his country would be prepared to accept an additional number of Iranian refugees, regardless of their religion or ethnic background, from Turkey or other areas. He emphasized that refugees arriving through irregular channels are jumping the queue, hence filling the quota. It should be up to UNHCR to determine who gets first priority, not the individuals themselves.
UNHCR provided some background information on the difficult situation facing Iranian refugees in the Philippines. More than 100 cases are registered with our office for whom a resettlement solution should be found in the near future.
UNHCR further stated that, concerning Turkey, in 1985 there was a 30% increase in Iranian asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR as compared to 1984. At the same time more stringent selection criteria are being applied by some resettlement countries, resulting in a reduction of resettlement opportunities. Therefore all governments