I rise in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 26 as reported by the Committee on Foreign Affairs last week. Mr. Speaker. this is an important resolution for the House to consider as the United Nations is about to convene the International Conference on Indochinese Refugees on June 13. We have watched for many years as over 2 million persons have fled their homelands in Southeast Asia in search of asylum. Nations of first asylum have responded by providing reception and assistance. Others have provided resettlement opportunities. But the flow of people has not abated and the conditions under which these asylum seekers flee have not improved. It is time for the international community to provide a new commitment to the wellbeing of Indochinese refugees. We face many challenges at this conference: The protection of refugees who continue to flee their countries of origin under dangerous conditions and who face an uncertain reception. The encouragement of safe and orderly departure procedures and migration programs from Vietnam. The institution of fair and consistent screening programs by nations receiving refugees. The timely resettlement of refugees in third countries. and The assurance that any repatriation efforts will be voluntary and supervised by international bodies. The challenge is the humane treatment of refugees by the international community. both by nation3 of asylum. nations or origin. and nations which have traditionally opened their doors for resettlement. including the United States. I urge the House to adopt this resolution.
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Refugees asylum seekers refugees