to have diminished only slightly (1974 persons) in 1985, as
compared to the previous year. There is a tendency for refugees to wait longer in the refugee camps and centres prior to their selection and final settlement; furthermore, there are increasing numbers of young single persons who arrived in past years and who were considered, at that time, as unaccompanied minors. These developments underscore the necessity to continue the existing
basic but vital medical and welfare programmes.
5
These essential activities undertaken by the Red Cross and
Red Crescent activities are in addition to the general refugee assistance and the tracing and mailing services provided by the national societies as operational partners of UNHCR and ICRC. These services to the Vietnamese boat people are undertaken to contribute to their better integration in countries of final settlement, as also to improve resettlement prospects for those refugees who have so far been rejected.
6 Hong Kong is not included in this appeal since Red Cross activities in support of Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong are primarily funded BY UNHCR.
7 This is the first appeal we have received for assistance outside Africa in 1986. We contributed £25,000 to an earlier appeal from the LRCS in 1985 for the boat people at a time when we were uncertain about what other demands would be made on our resources. Clearly there is a desperate need for assistance and a contribution towards LRCS programme for 1986 would be evidence of our continuing concern. The sum of £107,000 recommended represents the balance of the emergency earmarking of £14m for refugees and other relief in 1985/86. A list of
the detailed allocations is at Annex A.
8
This proposal has the support of Bilateral Co-ordination Department, Finance Department and South East Asia Department and United Nations Department in the Diplomatic Wing.
Priches
PŚ McLean
Eastern Asia Department