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1.
Discouraging future outflows of non-refugees is of
fundamental importance. Pressure must be exerted by all concerned
on Vietnam to recognise the humanitarian consequences of the outflow, the negative image created for Vietnam, and the adverse impact on relations with other countries in the region.
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 maintenance of first asylum for Vietnamese boat people. But third country resettlement 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 the prospect of automatic resettlement for all who leave Vietnam is a major pull factor.
Elements in a new comprehensive 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
UNHCR should explore the
of resettlement should be expanded.
possibility of fixed long-term annual quotas to be assigned to specific resettlement countries.