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Joint Statement The ASEAN Foreign Ministers On Indochinese Refugees
Singapore, 14 June 1987 |
- The ASEAN Foreign Ministers discussed the problem of refugees and displaced persons or illegal immigrants from Indochina at the beginning Of the 20th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Singapore n 14 June 1987.
- Recalling their statement on the same subject made in Bangkok on 13 January 1979 and in Kuala Lumpur on 16 August 1979, as well as the joint communiques of the respective ASEAN Ministerial Meetings held since, the Foreign Ministers expressed their grave concern and serious dis- satisfaction over the continued influx of these people into the ASEAN countries. They reiterated their firm conviction that the influx from Vietnam, Laos and Kampuchea would continue to cause severe economic, social, political and security problems in the ASEAN countries, particularly in Thailand and Malaysia which have had to bear the main brunt of the refugee problem.
- The Foreign Ministers recalled the understanding reached at the United Nations Meeting on Refugees and Displaced Persons in Southeast Asia held in Geneva in 1979, whereby the ASEAN countries would only provide temporary refuge to such people pending their resettlement in third countries or their return to their respective homelands. The Foreign Ministers expressed their concern over the compassion fatigue among the resettlement countries resulting in a slowdown in the resettlement programme which would increase the residual problem of refugees in ASEAN countries.
- The Foreign Ministers continue to be convinced that resettlement remains the appropriate solution to this problem. Efforts should be intensified to achieve these objectives. The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the stand of the ASEAN countries that local integration in their respective countries is not a viable option.
- The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their belief that the continuation of the refugee problem would cause grave difficulties to the ASEAN countries and seriously ,affect stability in the region.
- Considering that the problem continues to build up, the Foreign Ministers also agreed on the urgency for increased efforts towards solving the problem at its source. They were of the view that as the problem originated with Vietnam, Vietnam should, in conformity with humanitarian principles and in the interest of regional peace, stability and harmony, take the necessary steps to solve the problem at its source. They also called upon Vietnam to desist from perpetuating conditions which give rise to and help prolong the problem of refugees- and displaced persons or illegal immigrants from Indochina.
- The Foreign Ministers strongly urged Vietnam to take measures to remove the causes of departures by boat of people from Vietnam and to earnestly cooperate with the UNHCR and the resettlement countries in ensuring the success of the Orderly Departure Programme (ODP). They appealed to the Government of Vietnam to accept the voluntary repatriation of those who wish to return, to Vietnam. The Government of Laos is also requested to accept the voluntary repatriation of Laotian refugees who wish to return.
- The Foreign Ministers expressed their appreciation to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for his efforts in finding a solution, to the problem, and to the third countries or contribution towards the resettlement of the Vietnamese and other Indochinese refugees or illegal immigrants. The Foreign Ministers urged the resettlement countries not to reduce their '.take or to impose conditions which would make resettlement more difficult. They reiterated the willingness of the ASEAN countries to work closely with the resettlement countries and the UNHCR to find a durable solution to the problem.
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