question of "the screened out" becomes a crucial one. The
conference will need to deal constructively with ways to resolve
the situation of these persons who as "non-refugees" are not
likely to be accorded the protection of long term temporary
asylum or the option of eventual third-country resettlement.
The question is also raised as to what commitments and
responsibilities will be undertaken by countries in the region
who are to conduct refugee status determinations. While none of
the ASEAN countries are signatories to the international
conventions on refugees, the Plan specifies that status
determinations are to be done in accordance with convention
criteria. UNHCR is to participate in an observer and advisory
capacity. It should follow therefore, that within the context of
cooperative international agreements on implementing the proposed
Plan, countries conducting status determinations should bear a
proportionate responsibility for ensuring protection and asylum
for those they determine to have valid refugee claims. In
exercising their right to control entry and determine the status
of asylum seekers, it would seem that these countries would also
rightly share some responsibility for achieving a humane
resolution of the situation of those determined not to be
refugees.
With regard to the latter concern, it is hoped that the
ASEAN countries may be able to play a key role in gaining
Vietnam's cooperation in the proposed Plan. Significantly,
Thailand and Malaysia have both indicated to Vietnam that a
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