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Thirdly, on the delicate issues relating to protection and human rights, the main question to be pursued from the very beginning of humanitarian operation is: How can we ensure that international humanitarian norms could be observed vis-a-vis the vulnerable groups? This question should constantly be present in our mind from the time people start receiving a bowl of rice till the achievement of any durable solution.
Having posed these questions, I must confess that I do
not have ready answers. I do hope, however, that consideration of these conceptual issues would greatly help finding useful alternatives in your dealing with concrete situations.
Having attempted at addressing these conceptual questions with specific reference to our Kampuchean operation, I should like to submit, though in a preliminary manner, a few propositions for your consideration at this juncture.
First, after nearly 7 years of operation, perhaps time has come to introduce a major new orientation in favour of promoting self- sufficiency in various activity areas both for Kampucheans in evacuation sites and for affected Thai villagers. Areas to be covered progressively may include: preventive health activities; environmental hygiene; water resource development; family food production; and skills training. These activities should perhaps be so designed as to energize hitherto untapped human resources of children, parents and Khmer Womens Associations.
Second, encouragement, support and facilities should be given to upgrade education programmes and promote cultural activities among the young generation. Such programmes and activities would not fail to greatly contribute to eventual processes towards national reconciliation and rebuilding of their homeland.
Third, U.N. agencies concerned and ICRC should join forces in working out practical arrangements to overcome formal impediments with a view to facilitating voluntary repatriation with dignity and with assurances about humane reception and reintegration in their homeland with the necessary co-operation of all parties concerned. The monitoring, by a neutral third party, of the observance of humanitarian norms applicable to voluntary repatriation should also be an essential ingredient of such practical arrangements.
With regard to all the three main areas I have just mentioned, it is gratifying to note that there has been an increasingly greater interest and wider support shown by a number of donor countries. Likewise I am particularly pleased to note that the Royal Thai Government and UNBRO are engaged in continuing dialogue concerning the improvement of educational facilities and opportunities for the border Khmers.
In conclusion, may I once again express very warm appreciation of the Secretary-General as well as my own for the continued co-operation and support of the people and Government of Thailand, all the donor countries and all members of the voluntary agencies.
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