Some regional leaders have essentially called for a "halt to
the flow" of asylum seekers from Vietnam. Proponents of this
approach assert that this could be brought about by pressuring
Vietnam to enforce measures to deter clandestine departures,
while simultaneously expanding avenues for direct legal migration
such as the Orderly Departure Program (ODP), making these the
sole means of departure for Vietnamese seeking to emigrate
abroad. While it can be argued that this approach perhaps
unfairly shifts the burden of responsibility for dealing with the
problem to Vietnam and the international community, it clearly
underscores some of the strong sentiments felt by affected
countries in the region.
The breakdown of the system for handling regional refugee
problems and the lack of a workable range of humane alternatives
has led to a potentially explosive situation for the countries of
temporary asylum as well as for the "refugee producing"
countries themselves. It is likely that difficult political and
socio-economic conditions in the countries of Indochina, as well
as hopes of resettlement abroad, will continue to compel persons
to flee for some time to come. If a comprehensive and concerted
international response is not forthcoming then further tragedy
can be expected on a large scale, with decidedly negative
implications for regional security.
8
*
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.