3
The Educational Situation in the Camps
The Thai Government had laid down that refugee children could be taught by their own Lao, Cambodian and Vietnamese teachers in certain parts of the curriculum, only subjects such as geography and history had to be taught by Thai nationals.
Money was urgently needed for educational supplies in the camps. The YMCA and YWCA were both working in these camps and would greatly welcome the help of the British voluntary agencies, as follows
YWCA Schemes at Aranyaprathet)
Trat
>
Nhon Khai Chiengkan
>
Refugee Camps
)
teachers' salaries sewing classes
Primary school needs
language classes US$ 6,600
YMCA
-
at Sob Tuong
Primary schools needs - teachers' salaries
About £6,000 per annum in total.
USA 2,700
Supplies would best be bought in Thailand. The money should be channelled through the World YWCA, 37 Quai Wilson, Geneva.
The YMCA had a team of doctors and nurses to cover about 10,000 refugees. Tom Dooley Foundation also had a medical team. Because of the general health situation, the most important part of the work was preventative there was real danger of epidemics.
The
In December 1975, a distressing incident had occurred. Twenty-six refugees had been returned to Cambodia and had been assassinated. This had been an isolated occurrence due to one official and the Thai Government was very upset. However, it got much publicity.
Mr. Thomson concluded by an encouraging tribute to the great cooperation between the UNHCR, the Thai Government and the voluntary organisations.
In the discussion, the following points were mace:-
a) The Boat People from Vietnam
Mr. Morgan (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) reported that when the rumours had been reported by the Secretary, he hau immediately made enquiries with the Department of Trade which had taken it up with the Council of Shipping which was willing to conduct an investigation if evidence could be provided.
Mr. Thomson suggested that the Embassy in Bangkok could be asked to send someone to meet the Coordinating Committee and to visit the camps to investigate the rumours.
There was discussion on the legal position of ships in relation to other boats in aistress. Some pointed out the difficulties facing ships in actually reaching those in distress, being responsible for feeding etc. until a port of asylum could be found. Others thought there was a legal obligation to lift the refugees, even apart from humanitarian considerations. At present about 1 in boats were reaching ports.
Mr. Nor an agreed to seek legal advice at the foreign and Commonwealth Office.
.../4
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.