3.5.6
Mr
;
LA
3.5.7
3.5.8
area
Walzer reported he had visited Trad Province last week and that UNHCR and MOI are working on a project for Koh Kong refugees who have been processed for Thai citizenship where there is a need for assistance to the in which they live with regard to their infrastructure and income generating projects. Mr Walzer informed the Committee of the extensive preparatory work undertaken on this project in the last few weeks. In components such as health and education, UNHCR expects to proceed fairly quickly in reaching agreement with the MOI. In other components such as the development of a site where these refugees can move to, agreement may take longer, but the project will be assisted by Norwegian Church Aid. Mr Walzer reported considerable progress and momentum has been achieved on the project which he hoped could be maintained.
In response to a question on recent developments in Lao repatriation, Mr Walzer reported that the situation on the Laotian border is fairly complex and has been а cause of concern to UNHCR. UNHCR has been involved in discussions for several months with the Lao Government Оп the question of establishing screening procedures for Laotian refugees.
UNHCR understands and appreciates the concern of the Thai Government that many people coming across the border have no real claim to refugee status, but UNHCR's main concern rests with those who do have a claim to refugee status and thus should be considered for asylum in Thailand.This is the reason why UNHCR has been promoting the establishment of a screening procedure. Mr Walzer reported that the Ministry of Interior 15 currently finalising the procedure, the National Security Council is taking a great interest in it and UNHCR expects that the new procedure will take effect shortly.
With regard to Laotian refugees who are already registered in camps for repatriation, Mr Walzer reported that under an agreement between UNHCR and the Laotian Government documents on refugees who wish to be voluntarily repatriated to Laos are submitted to the Vientiane authorities for approval.
months
under this agreement,
In the past few two voluntary In December 1984,
repatriations to Laos have occured. 55 were voluntarily repatriated and in the first week of February 1985, 48 people returned to Laos. It was anticipated a further 111 people were to cross border at Chieng Khong on 8 February 1985.
the
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.