TNAG-1274-FCO40-1624-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 28

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The second possibility may be to examine the composition, needs

and aspirations of a displaced group after a refugee situation develops

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sooner than we have done in the past. The aim ould be to identify

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priority groups - which

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which are both the most vulnerable and for which an early

durable solution may be the least controversial in political terms. I

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have in mind here, old people, women and children separated from the head

of the household and unaccompanied minors and orphans.

Mr Chairman, I can think of significant examples where groups

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of refugee children, separated or orphaned in the confusion of

disorderly refugee outflows, might have been repatriated and rehabilitated

in their home communities, with international assistance and supervision

if their wishes and situation had been promptly assessed and action taken.

The third opportunity is complementary to the other two.

The High Commissioner in his opening address alluded to the

role of his Office as, or occasions, that of humanitarian intermediary.

Because of the non-political character of the Office, Australia recognises

that this role must be pursued with great care but is encouraged, by the

impeccable record of the Office in this respect, to believe that this

role can and should be further pursued and developed.

Countries subscribing to the purposes of the High Commissioner's

should Office perhaps/continually explore the potential for humanitarian mediation

and dialogue.

UNHCR for its part, should feel it has the license to share with individual

about those

Governments its own frank assessments on-such humanitarian intercessions,

including the provision of financial assistance, which might help its

efforts towards durable solutions endeavours. It is said that the negotiation

necessary to achieve programs of voluntary sepatriation

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