In this regard, a matter for urgent attention is the
situation of former political prisoners and re-education camp
detainees in Vietnam who are not yet able to emigrate via the
ODP. This is a sizeable group of potential asylum seekers (some
estimate as many as 100,000, including accompanying family
members) for whom inclusion in the ODP would be in the best
interests of both the United States and Vietnam. Not only is
their need for a viable alternative to clandestine departure a
pressing one, but their plight is a painful legacy of a long war
which continues to divide former antagonists.
Support for the
resolution of this particular issue by the international
conference may prove to be crucial in achieving this worthy
humanitarian objective.
Determination of Refugee status
Measures under consideration for a region-wide refugee
status determination process envision "screening" programs to be
implemented in each country of temporary asylum by national
authorities, with monitoring by the UNHCR. Under such an
arrangement, persons determined not to be refugees would likely
be placed in temporary holding centers under international
assistance, until their safe repatriation can be facilitated.
Those who can establish claims for refugee status as defined by
international refugee conventions would be processed for third-
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