FAGE 8
OPEN SESSION MINUTES 8 FEBRUARY 1995
3.6.4
3.6.5
3.6.6.
3.6.7
3.6.8
Mr Morton reported that UNBRO's first priorities at the evacuation sites have been to re-establish the administrative structure of the Khmer themselves. Experience has shown that once the Khmers have re- organised themselves, it is much easier to provide relief, to provide water, arrange distribution, provide sanitation facilities and to distribute relief materials such as food, shelter etc. The Khmer have been very effective in re-organising themselves during these difficult periods.
Mr Morton reviewed the medical problems at the site for members of the Open Session. Mr Morton reported there has been a large increase in diarrheal diseases caused by people drinking from contaminated water sources, respiratory problems caused by lack of shelter and crowded and less hygienic conditions, and skin problems especially in young children caused by a lack of water for personal hygiene.
The remaining Khmer at the border are mostly in camps south of Aranyaprathet and in Trad Province. Mr Morton reported that the Khmer in camps south of Aran can be expected to come across the border shortly. UNBRO's information is that at present about 4,000 Khmer are in Thailand opposite the area known as Khao Din and about another 6,000 have made their way northwards on the Cambodian side towards Ta Prik.
Thai
Mr Morton reported that a large number of villagers
have been affected by events at the border. UNBRO records show that a total of over 12,000 Thai villagers at Paet Um, Ban Sangae, Nong Chan, Nong Samet and Sok Sann have temporarily evacuated and assistance has been provided by UNBRO in the same way assistance has been provided to the Khmer following consultation with the Thai Government.
When the move from Red Hill towards Khao I Dang, to a site to be known as Bang Poo was announced, Mr Morton reported that UNBRO had requested a meeting with the Thai authorities to obtain clarification. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the UN, UNHCR, ICRC, National Security Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Supreme Command. UNBRO received advice that the movement of these people was for security and humanitarian reasons and that no undue significance was to be attributed to the move because of the location of the area adjacent to Khao I Dang. The site was to be treated as just another evacuation site and the Khmer would not enjoy the same standard of housing or services as the refugees in Khao I Dang. It was also specified that these refugees would eventually have to return to the border and there would be no question as to the voluntary nature of that return. Mr Morton expressed UNBRO's appreciation for the cooperation and understanding received from UNHCR and from the voluntary agencies affected by the move.
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