TNAG-1800-FCO40-2560-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-principle-of-first-asylum-1988 — Page 130

Þ 'd EP:91 88/20/90

NOM ELITE WOUL

Our

As we all recognize, the dire refugee problems of the region are rooted not in the first asylum countries, but in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and this is where they must ultimately be solved. Concerted diplomatic effort is needed to convince these refugee-generating countries to adopt appro- priate political, social and economic measures to allow their countrymen to live productive lives in their homelands. ASEAN friends, especially, have a role to play in this regard. We do not advocate repressive approaches or prohibitions against clandestine departure, which would in any case not be effective. Nor do we realistically expect diplomatic pressures to have an immediate effect by themselves. But over time the authorities in the Indochinese states must come to realize the political and diplomatic costs they run in ignoring their social and economic responsibilities to their own people.

New measures of humane deterrence need to be carefully considered

MYTJEIGU refugees by

O

determ

MAVENGERS

tam Seckers are bona fide

These should come under appropriate international safeguards, including UNHCR monitoring.

Opening of decent rong-

"URIER sup

от

It

would be essential that all asylum seekers be per- mitted to land safely and to be put in contact with UNHCR for protection and assistance in entering the screening program.

Second, the temporary suspension of resettlement for

ew arrivals. This could be in effect at least until dequate screening and holding facilities are in lace. It might also involve a uniform, minimum aiting period before new allivals would be eligible or resettlement screening.

Third, the assurance that persons granted first asylum

ould enjoy no greater resettlement advantage than hose seeking resettlement through the established orderly departure program.

United AtALAS,

kic might

mann

amang first asylum populations

to the U.S.. Camp inmates.

immigrants, and those of special interest such as Amerasians and former reeducation