call for a more vigorous pursuit of all classical durable solutions.
The problem
of "long-stayers", the anti-piracy arrangement, the recent understanding between UNHCR and the Government of Laos on repatriation and orderly return of
n
screened-out" asylum-seekers, phasing out of assistance to Filipino refugees in East Malaysia, and the situation of refugees and displaced persons in Papua New Guinea were also described.
80. Two speakers expressed concern over the situation in Papua New Guinea and supported the efforts of the High Commissioner to attend to the serious refugee problems in that country. One speaker called for more information in the Executive Committee documentation about UNHCR's programmes in that country.
81.
One speaker described at length the refugee situation in Thailand and explained the concerns and policies of the Royal Thai Government in this area. Following a reiteration of the announcement of the closure at year's end of the Khao-i-Dang refugee camp, one Government declared its willingness to accept as many refugees from that camp as possible in order to reduce the risk of transfers of refugees to the frontier. The Head of Bureau stated the High Commissioner's reassertion during his visit to Thailand that the Khao-i-Dang population was of concern to the Office and his hope that an understanding compatible with the positions of the two sides could be worked out. One observer felt that a comprehensive strategy was needed to address the problems of Khmer refugees in Thailand and on the Thai-Kampuchean border. Another observer expressed grave concern at events in Kampuchea, which he described as being under a new form of colonization. This speaker also entered a reservation in respect of the use of the title "Kampuchean Red Cross" in UNHCR documentation.
82. Several speakers expressed concern that a definitive solution to the Indo-Chinese refugee problem appeared remote, and welcomed the renewed efforts of the High Commissioner to tackle this problem. Efforts to resolve the difficulties of "long-stayers", particularly in South-East Asia, were commended by a number of speakers; one stated that resettlement criteria for such cases should be relaxed. One speaker, describing Hong Kong's refugee policies and resettlement efforts (see para. 66 above) saw a contradiction between the willingness of Hong Kong and other States to grant asylum to Indo-Chinese and the refusal of some resettlement countries to consider such persons as refugees. One speaker expressed support for a thorough review of the Indo-Chinese refugee situation with a view to identifying suitable solutions.
83. One speaker referred to the 280,000 Indo-Chinese refugees settled in his country and stated that despite some difficulties and shortcomings, most of the refugees were satisfied with their lives there. One speaker described the situation of refugees in the Philippines and the policies of the Government in this regard.
3. Europe and North America
84. Introducing UNHCR activities in her area, the Head of Bureau for Europe and North America focused on the threat to the traditionally liberal asylum policies in the region and described the need for fundamental solutions through concerted action. She also referred to a review of UNHCR assistance activities and the importance of maintaining public opinion in favour of refugees.
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