TNAG-1798-FCO40-2558-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation--including-Opera-1988 — Page 38

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17:59

UK MISSION GENEVA

NO. 004

P002/006

2

FRS/L/88/21

ZI

N

20 December 1988

i

in

on

the between

the

I have the honour to refer to the Memorandum of Understanding signed

Government 13 December 1988

of Geneva Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and UNHCR on the principles and procedures The Memorandum which represents for Voluntary Repatriation to Viet Nam.

the resolution of long

concern in South East Asija,

sets out the notably that of Vietnamese refugees and asylum seekers, framework within which future voluntary returns are to take place.

a

first step ia

attempt to contribute Our

standing humanitarian problems

to

of direct

Memorandum,

Under the terms of the

the Government of

Socialist Republic of Viet Nam will ensure that the voluntary return from countries of first asylum takes place in conditions of safety and dignity in conformity with national and international law and that returnees will

if this is be allowed

not their place of origin or, to feasible, to the place of their choice subject to the approval of loqal

In addition,

will returnees

not be authorities. punitive or discriminatory measures will be taken.

to return

Furthermore,

the

Socialist

prosecuted and

до

Viet Republic of

Nam Government will permit UNHCR to exercise its traditional monitoring function by providing full access to the returnees. In return, UNHCR will ensure appropriate reintegration assistance to returnees aimed at helping them to resume normal life in the shortest possible time.

}