TNAG-1274-FCO40-1624-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 35

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As a result of the combination of all the adverse factors I have briefly

reviewed, there has now been, for a long while in our programmes, a

comparative slowdown in the provision of durable solutions. Relief, care and maintenance, have become increasingly conspicuous components of our overall

efforts. Some striking figures are reported in the programme "book".

1970, 83% of the programme was geared toward the promotion of durable solutions. In 1977, the proportion was 54%. Then, major refugee crises erupted within a timespan of very few years: refugees in South-East Asia, in

the Horn of Africa, in Pakistan. In 1981, as a consequence of this rapid

increase, the proportion of the programme devoted to the promotion of durable

solutions was at its lowest: 26%. Since then, there has been some progress

again and we hope that next year we shall reach 33,5%. These are perhaps too

many figures. But they are indicative and must serve as a powerful incentive

to reverse the trend further.

We must promote them

We only have three solutions at our disposal.

wherever there is the slightest glimmer of hope, even if it takes many years

to reach them and implement them satisfactorily. And we need governments with

us: they have the key, not UNHCR. Of course, governments have their own

constraints and it would be unrealistic and unfair not to recognize them.

However, refugees are waiting, and for them no progress often means

deterioration of their condition.

Through this great puzzle, we are trying to develop our planning capacity,

keeping the need for durable solutions whenever possible" as our leitmotiv.

We must help push barriers a little further back. Though we are by no means

the center of the game, which is a position occupied by governments, we must

be a catalytic agent and convince: convince refugees, convince governments,

It is not always so difficult to start

convince the international community.

helping. A new problem may receive a favourable echo from governments, from

public opinion, from others concerned.

But gradually, if solutions are not

readily feasible, the situation changes. The great difficulty lies in seeing

a problem through to a conclusion. Like the problem of the boat-people or

that of refugees from Indochina more generally.