30. US/89
11:35
UK MISSION GENEVA
N
FRS/L/88/21
NO.598
P004/008
22 December 1988
I have the honour to refer to the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Geneva on 13 December 1988 between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and UNHCR on the principles and procedures for Voluntary Repatriation to Viet Nam. The Memorandum which represents a first step in UNHCR's attempt to contribute to the resolution of long standing humanitarian problems of direct concern in South East Asia, notably that
that of Vietnamese refugees and asylum seekers, sets out the framework within which future voluntary returns are to take place.
Under the terms of the Memorandum, the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam will ensure that the voluntary return from countries of first asylum takes place in conditions of safety and dignity in conformity with national and international law. The returnees will be allowed to return to their place of origin or, if this is not feasible, to the place of their choice subject to the approval of local authorities. They will not be prosecuted and до punitive or discriminatory measures will be taken.
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