C.
Disabled Refugees
1.
a)
2.
Refugees awaiting resettlement:
During the first months of 1985 the number of disabled refugees in need of resettlement was about one thousand. However, with the announcements of acceptances, either under the regular resettlement procedures and/or under the special programmes, the total number of those awaiting resettlement has decreased.
b) Disabled refugees accepted for resettlement but not yet departed:
UNHCR is concerned about the situation of refugees who are on medical hold due to T.B. or other contagious diseases, and who can only depart to their resettlement countries once proven to be non-contagious. In addition there are a number of refugees who are classified as "inadmissible" for entry to resettlement countries because they present a high risk of becoming a public charge. There are also those who suffer from mental disorders and who are kept on medical hold until they prove to be clear of symptoms.
c) Disabled refugees whose resettlement applications were not processed under special programmes:
Some 300 applications were not presented under special programmes because the handicaps/diseases they were suffering from were not considered to be severe. These cases were processed under regular resettlement procedures. In addition, refugees who could benefit from local or regional programmes were excluded from resettlement processing.
Situtation of Special Programmes
a)
Ten or More Plan (TOM):
The countries adhering to the "Ten or More" plan and their respective commitments to the "Twenty or More" plan are as follows:
Belgium and New Zealand accept disabled refugees on the basis of revolving numbers i.e. renewal of numbers upon exhaustion of previous quota, independently of annual period or fiscal year.
Denmark and Norway have made a positive commitment to the "Twenty or More" plan.
The Netherlands and the United Kingdom are considering their commitment to the "Twenty or More" plan.
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