TNAG-1066-FCO40-1316-Human-rights-in-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 59

E/CN.4/1503 page 52

113. It is recognized that the role of such a corps of humani- tarian observers should be entirely non-political and purely humanitarian. Consequently, any decision in this regard by the United Nations should be taken in a humanitarian context

and care

should be taken that it is not viewed as an effort

parallel to, or in conflict with, the

the work of the Security

Council. The benefit would be similar to that of delegates of

bodies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross in

situations of armed conflict. In addition to having a calming

effect in the areas where they would be stationed, these ob- servers might carry out general monitoring functions both in regard to the rhythm and nature of the exodus and the inter- national aid provided. The corps would consist of volunteers lists of whom might be established in advance

advance on the basis of

availability of human resources essentially within the United

Nations system, for short rounds of duty in the field. A prerequisite for this role would be the concurrence of the governments concerned. The corps would then spring into action in the context of the trigger mechanism suggested in this Study.