TNAG-1532-FCO40-2096-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-closed-camp-policy-1986 — Page 36

really necessary

- 2

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3.

Deeply concerned by the continued existence of large numbers of refugees and displaced persons in various parts of the world, and particularly by recent events in Africa and the swollen refugee populations in that region;

4. Fully cognisant of the increased incidence of the twin phenomena of large-scale influx and transfrontier flow, generated by war, civil disturbance and famine, of the increased burden this necessarily creates for the High Commissioner's task of ensuring that the principles of international protection are respected, and of the consequent need for Member States to enhance their support for the High Commissioner;

5. Taking note of the fact, underlined by the High Commissioner, that some of the world's poorest nations are presently accommodating many hundreds of thousands of refugees, and joining with him in paying tribute to these countries' generosity and the example set by them of inestimable value in strengthening the institution of asylum;

6.

Noting, on the other hand, that Europe hosts a relatively small proportion of the total world refugee population disproportionately small in terms of GNP or per capita income;

7.

Alarmed by the recent increase in threats to or violations of the physical safety of refugees, through military or armed attacks on refugee camps and settlements, forced conscription, piracy attacks, and the apparent failure of passing ships to rescue asylum-seekers in distress on the high seas, and other forms of pressure and abuse;

8. Recalling, therefore, the obligations established under international maritime law to rescue persons in distress at sea, and welcoming the successful introduction of the Rescue at Sea Resettlement Offers (RASRO) Scheme;

9. Concerned about reports of continuing instances of unjustified detention of refugees and asylum-seekers in different areas of the world;

10. Apprehensive in particular as regards:

1.

ii.

the adoption by European countries of practices

intended to discourage the arrival of further asylum-seekers;

the disturbing rise of xenophobia, which has serious implications in the field of assistance to and protection of refugees;

11. Noting the fact that, while all Member States have acceded to the Geneva 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol, several of them still maintain the geographical limitation in respect of their obligations under these instruments, and also that a number of Member States have not yet acceded to other relevant international instruments of importance to refugees;

12.

Stressing that, in order to tackle the considerable difficulties faced by refugees and asylum-seekers, the High Commissioner needs more support through:

Additional

Petocels

7.911

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