TNAG-1969-FCO40-2802-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation-1989 — Page 29

NATIONS UNIES

HAUT COMMISSARIAT POUR LES REFUGIES

Télégrammes: HICOMREF

Telex 415740 UNHCR CH

Téléphone: 39 81 11

Téléfax: 31 95 46

FRS/L/88/21

Sir,

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PA UNICR file man

HKD 243/61

TAN 1989

1) luss mater

jalker. final appeal letter

1. Rm 28:31. copy

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UNITED NATIONS

HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES

Case postale 2500

CH-1211 Genève 2 Dépôt

22 December 1988

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43/518/1 of 36.), 2-

I have the honour to refer to the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Geneva on 13 December 1988 between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and UNHCR on the principles and procedures for Voluntary Repatriation to Viet Nam. The Memorandum which represents a first step in UNHCR's attempt to contribute to the resolution of long standing humanitarian problems of direct concern in South East Asia, notably that of Vietnamese refugees and asylum seekers, sets out the framework within which future voluntary returns are to take place.

Under the terms of the Memorandum, the Government of the 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. The returnees will be allowed to return to their place of origin or, if this is not feasible, to the place of their choice subject to the approval of local authorities. They will not be prosecuted and no punitive or discriminatory measures will be taken.

225

His Excellency

Mr. John A. Sankey, C.M.G.

Ambassador

Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom

to the United Nations Office at Geneva

37-39, rue de Vermont

Case postale: 1211 Geneva 20

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