TNAG-1972-FCO40-2805-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation-1989 — Page 110

Y

standards, the particular arrangements implemented for one

population group (Vietnamese boat persons, for example) should

not be seen as having "universal" applications for other groups,

such as lowland or highland Laotians in Thailand, for which less

formal solutions might be found. It is recognized, certainly,

that the circumstances of each group of refugees and displaced

persons in various countries of asylum are somewhat unique. Each

group, with its own distinct ethnic and political background, has

fled from different conditions and exists in a specific local

asylum environment. The range of available options for resolving

a particular group's plight may be quite variable, and needs to

be explored appropriately.

--

The circumstances of ethnic Lao and highland tribespersons

from Laos in Thailand are quite unique given the similar

ethnic composition of the Thai-Lao border areas and the closely

inter-linked history of the two countries. The options for

viable repatriation arrangements (both the official programs, and

the unofficial "spontaneous" voluntary return of individuals)

appear to be much greater for these groups; as are the seldom

discussed possibilities for eventual local settlement.

latter most certainly would need to take place over time, and

within a much less formal context. Because of the sensitivities

of making this an official agenda item, the issue of local

settlement is left aside by the current international

The

proceedings; but a more flexible if gradual approach to the issue

remains the hope of many concerned observers.

27