Mr. Chairman. I am happy to rise in strong support of the Long amendment adding funds for the initial resettlement of Indochinese refugees. I was pleased to be a member of the U.S. delegation to the recent United Nations Conference on Refugees in Geneva. Switzerland. where 65 nations were represented to discuss this enoromus human problem created by the massive outflow of refugees from Vietnam. Laos. and Cambodia. In our discussions with the representatives of many nations in attendance. we stressed the commitment of the United States to accept a large share of these refugees. We asked the various countries represented to follow our lead and accept their share of refugees for resettlement. During the earlier months of this year. because of a lack of funding being available. our rate of acceptance had to be reduced causing further pressures on the already strained facilities in the refugee camps in Southeast Asia with unfortunate results for the refugees. We must not let this happen again. and the amendment will provide the funds necessary to live up to our commitments and allow refugees to be moved out of the camps at the 14.000 per month rate. I note that the amendment also contains additional funding for the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees. As you know. the camps in Southeast Asia are maintained by funds through this office. There are recent developments which I wish to call to the Members attention. First. the Japanese Government has agreed to underwrite 50 percent of the High Commissioners budget dealing with the Indochinese refugees thereby replacing the United States as the UNHCRs principal supporters. Second. the Government of the Philippines at the Geneva conference announced its willingness to make land available to the High Commissioner for the establishment of a refugee processing center. capable of holding up to 50.000 refugees. Third. Canada generously accepted 50.000.
Keywords matched
Refugees refugee refugees