13.
14.
26 -
New special programme
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Canada: Since 1983 efforts have been made to create a special programme for disabled refugees. Seven provinces announced in late 1985 their willingness to sign SPAR agreements (Special Agreements in Assisting Refugees). Ten cases have already been accepted by Quebec and a few more by other provinces. It is therefore expected that, as of 1986, the admission of disabled refugees will be facilitated, including for those who would otherwise be excluded from resettlement in Canada for medical reasons, or due to lack of family links.
No special programme:
Australia: accepts in principle disabled Indochinese refugees on a case by case basis as well as a few Afghan and Iranian refugees, but maintains no separate formal quota.
France: accepts handicapped refugees on a case by case basis.
United States: accept disabled refugees on a case by case basis in accordance with criteria established and implemented by the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) in consultation with the Department of State.
15.
16.
It is recommended that:
a)
Countries applying the "TOM" plan increase to the "Twenty or More" as of 1986, if such a commitment has not already been made.
b) Each resettlement country show maximum flexibility in admitting
disabled/medically-at-risk refugees within the framework of family
reunion.
c) Countries unable to announce special programmes apply relaxed
admission criteria for at least a few cases.
d) More attention be given to the mentally disturbed refugees in need
of resettlement, as this group represents our most acute problem. A reduction of the 12 months mental medical hold period imposed by some countries to 6 months is also recommended.
e) Countries having at their disposal specialised treatment/
rehabilitation facilities for victims of torture but until now not in a position to accept refugees presented through UNHCR, are invited to share the burden with countries traditionally assisting this category of refugees.
f) The decision making process be accelerated to avoid irregular
movements and unnecessary deterioration of the refugees' health.
As a conclusion, it is hoped that through implementation of the above-mentioned measures, the refugee family will be kept intact. The right of the disabled/medically-at-risk refugees to join their family should be preserved, independently of their condition. Also, disabled refugees without links in any country should benefit from the humanitarian assistance provided by the international community in the form of resettlement offers.