Remarks at the UNHCR Informal Executive Committee United States Department of State
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Refugee Assistance Kenneth Bleakley
June 30, 1988
We have seen a severe testing of the principle of first asylum in recent months. The problem clearly originates in Vietnam and we must continue to seek answers there. We have been impressed by the generosity of the first asylum states, consistent with their international commitments and obligations. However, the United States has been deeply disturbed by events of recent months that suggest that generous first asylum may soon be a thing of the past in Southeast Asia.
We recognize that the nature of the refugee problem has changed significantly since 1975, but nevertheless we feel that the principle of first asylum must be the cornerstone of our, and others, approach to continuing refugee flows. It is in this context that we have expressed our support for the recently implemented policies of the Hong Kong authorities which are aimed at preserving the principle of first asylum. We are looking to UNHCR to assure us that the implementation of this policy accords with accepted international standards. It is also in this connection that we will participate in ASEAN discussions early next month which we hope will promote full discussion of creative measures to address the problem.
The United States has put forward proposals in support of first asylum which are designed to deter humanely future refugee flows through the screening of all new arrivals, the suspension of resettlement for new arrivals, and the reduction of resettlement advantages to be gained from clandestine departures.
Until internationally acceptable alternatives have been put in place, there can be nothing more disasterous than the introduction of policies that deny to individuals their right to present their claims to first asylum and to have them considered justly and objectively in accord with international standards.