TNAG-1274-FCO40-1624-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 26

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to Laos, has been stalled since March this year.

Negotiations to give

effect to a program of voluntary repatriation of Cambodians have made little

progress. The question of voluntary repatriation to Vietnam has scarcely

been discussed.

From the High Commissioner's introductory statement at

the outset of this session it is clear that he shares the concern of my

Government.

which the

repatriation.

Mr Chairman, my Government notes with appreciation the stress

High Commissioner's recent visit to Thailand placed on voluntary

We welcome the High Commissioner's clear recognition, to-

gether with the support of those Governments involved, that any resolution

of the Indochinese refugee situation must involve a variety of solutions.

Australia, as a country having effective relations with all parties to the

Indochinese refugee situation, stands ready to help the High Commissioner

in his efforts to bring the South East Asian refugee problem to a satisfactory,

humane and lasting resolution.

Asin It is said that economic difficulties in the country of

origin can preclude repatriation. Limitations on the assistance activities

of UNHCR and other international bodies can, it is claimed, stand in the

way of repatriation programs. My Government does not underestimate the

importance of economic and developmental problems in impeding the resolution

of refugee situations. Through the Fund for Durable Solutions, Australia

has contributed to village self-sufficiency projects in Laos aimed at

facilitating re-integration into the Laotion economy and society. Australia

considers that the Fund could serve as a useful model in promoting voluntary

repatriation programs elsewhere in the world.