A
11
-
2.
Expected resettlement needs in 1986
a)
The increase in the Laotian caseload arrival figures in 1985 is not expected to continue in 1986. It was occasioned by the regularisation of a significant number of refugees already living in camps but hitherto not registered for resettlement and a disproportionate exodus in the first half of the year.
This exodus very quickly slowed to a comparative trickle when screening of new arrivals was introduced in June 1985. To cope with the large backlog cases that at least the same number of resettlement places will be required for the Laotian caseload (including hilltribe) in 1986 as in 1985, some 7,000.
b)
Resettlement of Kampuchean refugees has been proceeding smoothly. All of the 1985 "arrivals" were a result of the regularisation exercise. Resettlement in 1986 could significantly reduce the caseload if held near to its 1985 level. We would therefore suggest a figure of at least 15,000 resettlement places for Kampuchean refugees in 1986-87.
c) The true picture of Vietnamese land refugees is not represented in the above caseload figures. Whilst 504 individuals are registered for resettlement, an estimated 4,000 remain in a precarious position on the Thai border with Kampuchea. We would therefore see a reasonable resettlement offtake for this group as 2,000.
d).
Arrivals of Vietnamese boat refugees (including rescues) in 1985 was 10% fewer than in 1984. To ensure the cooperation of Southeast Asian countries in continuing to allow temporary asylum to Vietnamese boat arrivals, it is important that resettlement efforts be at least maintained at current levels. Because there are no alternative prospects for durable solutions for this group of refugees, and given the humanitarian need to reduce the backlog of "longstayers" within this group, it is suggested that resettlement departures of Vietnamese boat refugees for the coming year (including rescue at sea cases) number 28,000 (somewhat more than over the past year).
3.
Needs and available quotas
Resettlement needs for the year ahead, as set out in paragraphs 2 a) b) and c) above, total 52,000. This figure approximates the total of known resettlement ceilings + quotas of 47,000, if resettlement outside quota is taken into consideration e.g. family reunion and private sponsorships which some resettlement countries do not include in official refugee resettlement
programmes.
A.
Priorities
Within the total of 52,000 resettlement places needed for Indochinese refugees, priority is requested for 11,880 who fall within the following categories of Vietnamese.