TNAG-0653-FCO40-802-Previously-closed-extract-Folio-87.-Now-released-and-reunite-1977 — Page 77

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APPEAL TO GOVERNMENTS FOR UNHCR ASSISTANCE IN 1977

TO DISPLACED PERSONS IN THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC

OF VIET NAM AND THE LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

10 December 1976

Sir,

I have the honour to refer to the programmes of humanitarian assistance undertaken by my Office for the rehabilitation of dis- placed persons in the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Lảo People's Democratic Republic. In this connection, I should like also to recall resolution 3455 (XXX) adopted by the General Assembly at its last session, in which the Assembly recognized the need for continued humanitarian assistance to Indochinese displaced persons and urged the international community to strengthen its support of the efforts of the High Commissioner in this regard.

Thanks to the generous financial support of a number of govern- ments, implementation of UNHCR projects of humanitarian assistance has continued to progress satisfactorily. Encouraging results have thus been achieved towards restoring normal conditions of life for hundreds of thousands of displaced persons. However, in view of the magnitude of the needs to be met, further assistance is required.

The objective of the UNHCR programmes in the Indochina peninsula is limited to helping in attaining a measure of self-sufficiency in specific geographical areas and sectors of aid. In accordance with the policy of my Office, it is the intention gradually to phase out assistance as these displaced persons achieve such self-sufficiency. Furthermore, with a view to avoiding any duplication of aid, my Office maintains, both from headquarters in Geneva and through my representatives in the field, close contact with other sources of assistance.

The Governments of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Lao People's Democratic Republic have requested my Office to continue in 1977 its programmes of assistance, the aim of which is to consoli- date earlier efforts. The assistance measures concern rehabilitation primarily in the sectors of agriculture, fishing, transport and health and in the provision of technical training.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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