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INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES IN SOUTH EAST ASIA AND ELSEWHERE
5.
a)
Thailand
i) SCF Lady Alexandra Metcalfe reported on the work of the SCF team in Ubon and the medical personnel in other camps. Numbers of refugees were still increasing and many still arriving from Laos.
The SCF was also working in Laos but not for refugees.
ii) Ockenden - Miss Pearce referred to a need for a rural development programme. Ockenden had been planning a very small scheme but needed the support of the UNHCR. She asked to what extent UNHCR would be setting up such a programme.
b) Coordinating Committee of Voluntary Organisations in Thailand
c)
The Secretary reported on developments in the work of the Coordinating Committee in Bangkok. A special organisation had been set up, financed mainly by the member agencies. Rev. Patrick 'Ashe had attended meetings and was favourably impressed.
Mr. McGee (ODM) asked for further information. It was possible that ODM might be able to contribute towards the expenses.
Dr. Gordon Barclay reported that his Committee had been recognised by the Thai Government.
Rural Development Programmes
Mr. Heidler referred to the UNHCR programmmes which had to take into account the attitude of the Thai Government, which considered the whole problem to be the responsibility of the International Community. The Government agreed to self reliance schemes, but would not accept the phrase "local integration". Of the 195,000 refugees who arrived in Thailand only 73,000 had been resettled elsewhere. Last month, some 7,000 had gone in and 3,000 out. Although the Thai Government might agree to take its fair share, it could not resettle all those left in Thailand permanently because of the situation of its own people.
Self-reliance projects had already been started for the 100,000 hill
people
It might be easier for the voluntary organisations than for the UNHCR to run rural development programmes, as these would have to include the local people. However, UNHCR might be able to assist with the funding.
If it were agreed to develop the North East area, it might be possible for the UNHCR to work with the Thai Government and the voluntary agencies. ODM might be able to grant aid on a bilateral basis.
6. TIBETAN REFUGEES IN INDIA AND NEPAL
Mr. Norbu reported on the present situation.
After 20 years of exile, some 100,000 were living outside Tibet, mainly in India and Nepal. The Council of Home Affairs of the Dalai Lama was caring for some 71,000 refugees and a number of appeals had been made to the international community for special purposes.
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