TNAG-1529-FCO40-2093-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-general-1986 — Page 146

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

-2-.

During the early years when our assistance efforts were responding

to an emergency situation, our mission

-

that of the Royal Thai

Government and the International Community

-

was clear; to succour

the needy, the sick, the dying an honourable objective in which

we all proudly shared. Much to the credit of those who made that

effort, the crisis passed yet the displaced remained and with

them we entered a new stage in thẹ Indochinese relief operation.

May

It is at this point that we find ourselves today a point at which

we are offered an immensely difficult challenge. For it is at

this juncture that we must critically examine our goals to ensure

that their realisation will result in establishing an environment

of relative peace and stability for those whom we seek to assist.

J

TWO, 444

The emergency is over. We are in the process of redefining our

task, and our objectives are no longer as simple as they were.

oThose we assist are now fed and sheltered; basic needs are being

met. But with this stability comes an appetite for more that

which perhaps we are unable to give that being a secure tomorrow.

-

-

V.

+

60 1

As we proceed with our respective programs, we must do so with

responsibility. For the partners the voluntary agencies, the

international organisations, the resettlement embassies, and the

S

Royal Thai Government all approach their assignment with guidance

from their own reality a reality which is not always in concert

with that of the other partners

-

one in which humanitarian

· principles are often in conflict with political interests.

+

1

How does one deal with such a potentially awkward situation?

Firstly, one must be aware that there are different perspectives.

! Secondly, one must strive to understand and appreciate perspectives

other than one's own, And thirdly, when understanding and awareness

of other perspectives still does not lead to accord, then negotiations

must be fostered and compromises sought.

Comments

Approved members can add comments, bookmarks, and private notes.

No comments yet.

Private Research Note

Private notes are available after approval.