31/05/88
11:46
UK MISSION GENEVA
7
NO. 342
P008/011
16. Since 1986, therefore, UNHCR has intensified the search for a new
approach. Such an approach, no doubt, has to ensure an acceptable outlet, including the availability of asylum and durable solution for the bona fide
refugees. Proceeding from this imperative, UNHCR launched a number of ideas
and entered into consultations with the major resettlement countries as well
as the countries of origin. The approach towards each of the three major
refugee groups, by necessity, had to be different. Developments of these
talks were systematically reported to first asylum countries affected by each
of the these group. Furthermore, in May 1987, prior to the ASEAN Conference
of Foreign Minister in Singapore in June, UNHCR approached the ASEAN capitals
and while briefing senior Foreign Ministry officials, requested the active
participation of the ASEAN in the search for longer term solutions.
17. With respect to Vietnamese outflow the thrust of the new approach
(emerging from the above consultations with major resettlement countries) is
to check the non-refugee migratory movement and thus reduce the outflow to
manageable levels. This means a greater channelling of potential asylum
seekers through the Orderly Departure Programme and measures to discourage
non-refugees from abusing solutions made available to genuine refugees, ensure this latter idea, an effective and well functioning eligibility
screening mechanism is required. The prerequisite, yet to be negotiated with the SRV, is an assurance of safe return of the non-refugees to their country
of origin.
TO
It
18. UNHCR decided to focus on reactivation of the ODP as
a first step. will be recalled that the ODP began to decline in 1986 due to differences
between the receiving countries and the SRV. The several direct, or
co-ordinating */ steps taken in the course of 1986 and 1987 were indeed conducive to the resolution of the main problems of the ODP. At the termination of the High Commissioner's visit to Hanoi in September 1987 the SRV authorities provided written assurances on the ODP and its growth
potential along the following lines :
"The humanitarian policy of Viet Nam consist of authorising all Vietnamese citizens, who may have legitimate reasons to do so to leave Viet Nam. With the UNHCR's help and co-operation, the Government of Viet Nam is ready to discuss this problem directly with the receiving countries."
*/ UNHCR sponsored multilateral as well as U.S./SRV bilateral technical talks on the Opp. This was in addition to direct talks with the SRV in December 1986, February 1987 and September 1987.
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