Understanding between the Government of Viet Nam and UNHCR to this end must be carefully implemented with the co-operation of all concerned.
(n) The places allocated for the movement of such cases should be over and above the numbers required for movement from the camps of South-East Asia.
(0) If the success of the programme for orderly departure from Viet Nam is to be ensured, it is axiomatic that the current massive departures should not continue in the present tragic manner.
(p) The consequences of conflict in the region should not be followed by the ravages of hunger. The dangers of starvation, particularly in Kampuchea, are evident and there is immediate need to meet this critical situation.
(q) Many thousands of boat cases have perished at sea. Those in distress must be rescued before they die and masters of vessels in the area must scrupulously observe the law of the sea in this regard. UNHCR is additionally ready to meet the cost of care and maintenance for those so rescued. Further arrangements should be made, by those Governments in a position to do so, for search and rescue in the South China Sea. UNHCR will follow up on these cases.
(r) Within the framework of the over-all solutions envisaged, Governments of the first port of call must allow the disembarkation of all those rescued. UNHCR will, of course, continue to meet the cost of supporting such persons pending durable solutions.
(s) The necessary financial support, on the widest possible basis, will be indispensable to the success of this plan of action.
(t) Finally, it cannot adequately be stressed that a most essential component of any plan must be the firm re-establishment of the observance of the practice of asylum and non-refoulement, in accordance with internationally accepted humanitarian principles.
IV.
CONCLUSION
Much
41. There can be no denying the gravity of the responsibilities facing the international community in the present crisis. The States of the Indo-China peninsula, those of South-East Asia and the world at large all have obligations to help resolve the desperate tragedy of the refugees and displaced persons. is at stake: fundamental principles of law and of conduct, the future of countless people and the sanctity of human life, the will and capacity of the international community to respond in unison and in full measure. It is imperative that Governments take firm decisions to act in concert in order to contain, reduce and resolve the problem. The forthcoming meeting must achieve this end.
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