TNAG-1972-FCO40-2805-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation-1989 — Page 107

Since

Thai-Lao program in effect since 1982 is also instructive.

that program's commencement, only some 3,000 persons have chosen

return under it. A considerably higher number is believed to

have returned on their own, outside of legal channels, but no

reliable figure is available. It is argued that even though

workable arrangements for safe return exist and the UNHCR is

actively involved in assisting with reintegration, relatively few

refugees have been willing to repatriate voluntarily so long as

conditions in the home country remain uncertain and while the

more attractive option of resettlement in the West is widely

available.

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It is imperative that the UNHCR and the concerned countries

sustain serious negotiations to explore all possibilities for the

safe, internationally assisted repatriation of voluntary

returnees. This should be an arrangement which would also help

lay the foundation for the eventual deportation of non-refugees,

conditioned on adequate safeguards and guarantees from Vietnam.

Given the new framework of mutually supporting commitments

expected to arise from the international conference, this should

be an attainable goal.

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