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5.
There has been a shift in the motivations of persons who are now leaving Vietnam. Although some still flee for political reasons, economic motives are playing an increasingly larger role. Family reunification is also a factor. The dramatic increase in the number of arrivals has created critical conditions in a number of regional countries.
6
The continuing commitment of the international community on resettlement is the crucial element in the
in the maintenance of first asylum for Vietnamese boat people. But third country re- settlement by itself cannot resolve this problem, and may, in some circumstances, compound the problem by encouraging non- refugees to leave their country of origin. Existing arrangements that hold out prospect of automatic resettlement for all who leave Vietnam is a major pull factor.
Elements in a new comprehensive programme
programme of action
need to be developed, drawing upon the following ideas:
7.
Countries of first refuge need more predictable and multi-year resettlement guarantees. The range of third countries of resettlement should be expanded. UNHCR should explore the possibility of fixed long term annual quotas to be assigned to specific resettlement countries.
8.
A concrete, predictable and multi-year programme for resettlement of the residual Vietnamese refugee population in the countries of first refuge should be established as soon as possible. Priority should be accorded to the processing of long-stayer refugee cases. Provision should also
also be made for accelerated resettlement to cope with any unexpected upsurge in new arrivals.
9.
Mechanisms should be developed to determine the claims of new arrivals to refugee status on a regional, basis. Those determined not to be bona fide refugees should be
refugees should be repatriated to Vietnam in accordance with international law and established UNHCR procedures. UNHCR is urged to negociate an arrangement with Vietnam to take back non-refugees. Those who are determined to be refugees should be promptly resettled in a third country.
10.
A central regional UNHCR holding centre should be established once a site is agreed upon.
11.
The Orderly Departure Programme for Vietnamese should be expanded and be made to encompass migrants, in addition to the present family reunion and special humanitarian concern cases. This should
should become the primary mode of departure and eventually the sole avenue for resettlement.
12.
A commitment should be sought from Vietnam on a moratorium on organised illegal departures, as well as to abide by the obligation to accept the return of its own citizens. Concerted demarches should be made by all governments concerned on Vietnam