TNAG-0893-FCO40-1103-Refugees-from-Vietnam-in-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-boat-people-1979 — Page 65

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(v)

The total number of resettlement places available to UNHCR are inadequate even for the present case load. They now need to be more than doubled from the 125,000 places available at the end of May 19/9.

The High Commissioner has already approached Governments, individually, suggesting indicative numbers to them.

(vi) To the extent that such resettlement takes place in developing countries financial assistance should be forthcoming from the international community.

(vii) With regard to future arrivals, it is clear that on-going commitments, at least initially, should be made at the increased scale suggested in (v) above. The High Commissioner will monitor the situation carefully and, at regular intervals, advise Governments of the needs, in light of the trend of arrivals.

(viii) Resettlement procedures and criteria must be still more flexible and, in particular, take account of family groupings. The increased rate of departures will require early expansion of facilities at sites where the refugees are assembled prior to onward movement.

(ix) If the "back-log" is reduced as suggested above, and on-going commitments match needs as they arise, the problem can be contained. Other complementary, and essential steps, will then contribute more readily towards the over-all solution.

(x)

Within the framework of such an over-all plan, durable solutions will also need to be pursued in the region.

Clearly, che prospects of repatriation on a voluntary basis must constantly be explored. UNHCR would be fully prepared to assist the Governments concerned in this regard. In other areas of the world, UNHCR has helped with the organization and financing of large-scale repatriations and provided assist- ance for the reintegration of those who have returned. The critical factors have been the clearly-expressed wish of the country of origin that the refugees return and the voluntary decision of the refugees themselves to take advantage of the opportunity.

As a contribution to an overall solution, and with the contain- ment of the problem, the possibility would arise for a degree of settlement in the region, for those for whom this is the most appropriate solution. Projects could be formulated, and funded from international resources, with a view to ensuring that the local population benefited as well.

(xi) For those awaiting solutions, conditions must be improved. Self-sufficiency and education and other appropriate projects must be encouraged