In the past, these policies and assumptions supported each
other, and generally provided a realistic framework for addres-
sing the problem of Indochinese movement to Thailand. At the
peak, in June, 1980, there were 300,926 Indochinese in camps in
Thailand. This number dropped to a low of 125,859 by July, 1984.
However, even by late 1983 the rate of reduction in the camp
population was declining, reflecting lower levels of internation-
al refugee resettlement. By late 1984, although international
resettlement levels basically were maintained, the camp popula-
tions began to climb again, in spite of austere camp conditions
instituted by the Thais to discourage further movements of
people. Now, the events at both the Thai-Laos and Thai-Kampuchea
borders provide further evidence that a policy framework needs to
be established which allows additional options for dealing with
this complex problem in Thailand.
*
The time is well past for the UNHCR and/or the Thai
government to initiate screening for new arrivals from Laos to
determine whether or not they are refugees.
This is a point that
Senator Hatfield raised in a recent letter to Secretary of State
Shultz stating concerns about the forced return of Laotians by
Thailand. Without screening, Thailand will continue to justify
practices, such as humane deterrence or push backs at the border,
on the grounds that these movements are not basically refugee
like in nature. The UNHCR and others can disclaim such actions
on the grounds that the movements are refugee like in nature.
The fact is some who are entering are refugees and some are not.
Procedures that would assure a fair review of the cases of asylum
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