TNAG-1800-FCO40-2560-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-principle-of-first-asylum-1988 — Page 53

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35.

Several experts drew attention to the problems which might arise if refugees engage in political activities in the country of reception. While

agreeing that refugees should not, of course, engage in subversive activities, one expert mentioned that his country guaranteed to all persons freedom of

conscience and of expression. It would indeed be very difficult to curb these

rights when exercised in a legal manner.

36. When the discussion centred on the various types of international assistance that should be granted by the international community, especially in cases of mass-influx, several experts felt that such assistance should include technical aid, such as medical aid and personnel. One expert

considered that such assistance should also include the provision of bursaries

and other educational facilities.

CONCLUSIONS

At the close of its discussion, the Group reached the following

conclusions:

I.

GENERAL

37. The refugee problem has become particularly acute due to the increasing

number of large-scale influx situations in different areas of the world. The

asylum-seekers forming part of these large-scale influxes include persons who are refugees within the meaning of the 1951 United Nations Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees or who, owing to external 、aggression, occupation, foreign domination or events seriously disturbing

public order in either part or the whole of their country of origin or nationality are compelled to seek refuge outside that country

38. Asylum-seekers forming part of such large-scale influx situations are often confronted with difficulties in finding durable solutions by way of voluntary repatriation, local settlement or resettlement in a third country.