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FOLLOWERS
18. Repatriation often involves an attempt to re-establish the severed bonda between citizens and their country of origin. This is why in situations of group or mass voluntary return, UNHCR has offered its assistance to ease the
The Laotian example is one where reintegration process of reintegration. assistance to returnees of essentially rural background has been provided, though the target beneficiaries of reintegration projects has been greater than the actual number of returnees.
19.
While it is the responsibility of the government of the country of origin to provide protection to its returning citizens, the international community has endorsed the need for guarantees of return to conditions of
This has safety with possibilities of access and monitoring through UNHCR. particularly been the case when return, on a large scale, has been the result of an agreement involving international assistance. Another element, which has been a traditional feature in voluntary repatriation arrangements is return to the place of origin, or alternatively, to a place of the returnee's choice.
20.
The position of the SRV on repatriation has evolved in recent months. Previously voluntary repatriation applications were examined strictly on a case by case basis. Only a limited number of persons returned to Vietnam between 1976 to 1988 under this procedure,
21. Since July 1988, the SRV has adopted a modified approach to repatriation
the problem of unauthorized within the framework of a policy to deal with departures. This policy, inter-alia, contemplates the readmission of Vietnamese in first asylum countries who freely opt to return to Viet Nam. Viet Nam has signified its willingness to waive sanctions normally foreseen under its laws against such individuals and to allow international monitoring
At the same time, the of conditions under which these persons would return. SRV has requested international assistance to facilitate the reintegration of
returnees.
22. In this connection, it is important to note that a significant number of asylum-seekers in Hong Kong have now applied for voluntary return to Viet Nam
It is hoped that and that their repatriation is expected to materialize soon.