TNAG-1425-FCO40-1908-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-general-1985 — Page 129

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The Royal Thai Government has recently agreed with UNHCR to a screening procedure, the first of its kind in South-East Asia, for all new Lao arrivals. Under this procedure, which it is hoped will be in effect by mid-1985, steps will be taken to determine which new arrivals should properly be considered to be refugees of concern to the international community. UNHCR will have an observer role in this process and is discussing these procedures and the necessary safeguards with all parties. It is clear, however, that the resettlement in third countries of those admitted as refugees will be an essential part of this process, as will arrangements for the safe return of those not so admitted.

In a further attempt to deal with the overall problem, departures from Viet Nam under the Orderly Departure Programme have also been increased substantially. More than 30,000 persons, including 850 Kampucheans, departed under this programme in 1984, and an average of more than 2,000 departures per month has been maintained in the first quarter of 1985. It is hoped that Governments involved in this programme will enable departures to be further increased in the course of 1985.

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These developments are commendable international efforts to deal with the refugee problem in South-East Asia. As in the global refugee context,

it is States which ultimately must be willing to make available the solucre needed to overcome this problem. UNHCR will continue to play its statutory role of assisting States to facilitate this process. If, as a result of other considerations, Governments find that they are not in a position to provide such solutions, this constraint is one within which humanitarian activities, such as those undertaken by UNHCR, must operate. South-East Asia the refugee problem remains inextricably linked to wider issues which are outside the competence of UNHCR. It remains UNHCR's hope that humanitarian considerations will ultimately prevail, to enable solutions to be provided for the many thousands of Indo-Chinese who have spent unacceptable periods confined in camps.

The attached annexes give further details of all three groups of refugees in South-East Asia. While refugees in other parts of the world remain more numerous and are often in more difficult situations, I believe that an exceptional effort by the international community is now required if the refugee problem in South-East Asia is not to regress. While I am fully apprecis ive of the constraints faced by Governments in this respect, I remain optimistic that all parties will agree to play their part

ir part.

I am grateful for the support which Governments have provided to my Office in dealing with this problem in past years and look forward to our continued co-operation. As usual, my office remains at the disposal of all Governments to assist this process in any way which may be considered appropriate.

Accept, Hadam, the assurances of my highest consideration.

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Poul Hartling

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees