TNAG-1537-FCO40-2101-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-resettlement-in-third-countri-1986 — Page 103

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HOW TO PRESERVE FIRST ASYLUM IN SOUTHEAST ASIA WHILE ADDRESSING THE PROBLEMS OF DECLINING RESETTLEMENT OFFERS AND INCREASING RESIDUAL POPULATIONS.

UPDATE: First asylum continues in Southeast Asia, but growing residual populations and declining refugee offtake have created renewed concern in the first asylum countries. So far in FY 1986, offtake has exceeded new arrivals only slightly. UNHCR continues to face a sizeable financial shortfall.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. The Panel attaches the greatest significance to the preservation of first asylum. It asks the United States Government to reaffirm to the nations of Southeast Asia the importance it attaches to their continuing to offer first asylum for Indochinese refugees.

Administration Actions:

o This recommendation was highlighted during the presentation of the Panel's Report to foreign government officials.

o Refugee issues were discussed by the Secretary of State with ASEAN leaders during his recent visits to Southeast Asia. Continued U.S. commitment to the refugee program, and to U.S. resettlement obligations, was stressed.

Department leadership and U.S. Embassy officials in these countries use every opportunity to stress continued U.S. committment to maintaining first asylum.

The United States and other governments should ensure that international financial support for relief and resettlement responds adequately to refugee needs in Southeast Asian nations. so that first asylum will be continued.

Administration Actions:

o UNHCR has budgeted $ 57.2 million for Southeast Asian programs in 1986.

o $12.9 million was initially provided by the USG for Southeast Asia care and maintenance expenses for FY 1986. An additional $5.1 million has been provided to UNHCR through reprogramming, bringing the total to approximately the FY 1985 level.