Mr. Speaker. when we consider the large number of monks. nuns. intellectuals. and ordinary citizens whom the Socialist Republic of Vietnam still holds in their infamous "reeducation" camps. we must conclude that recent expressions of interest by the Vietnamese Government in modernization and democracy should be treated with some caution. We must be especially concerned about the possible fate of refugees facing repatriation to Vietnam. With the continuing persecution of those who have remained in the country. for only the peaceful expression of their religious and other opinions. what can we expect for those who may return. having once escaped? Mr. Speaker. as you know this month in Geneva. the United Nations will convene the International Conference on Indochinese Refugees. One important goal for this meeting is to provide arrangements for the future welfare of Vietnamese refugees. At the very least. those returning to Vietnam should enjoy thorough and ongoing supervision by United Nations representatives within Vietnam to assure their safety and just treatment. Additionally. we in the United States should further consider the successful Canadian model in this area. Canada accepts any otherwise eligible refugee whose welfare. education. and adjustment is underwritten by a church or other group which meets certain qualifications. In this way. Canadian humanitarian concerns can be realized beyond the limits of governmental support. Mr. Speaker. I hope that we have learned our lesson of the 1930s and 1940s. when our Government turned back so many refugees to their deaths. Our responsibility is more than just to refrain from persecution. It is also to recognize when our actions may permit persecution by others. and to prevent that harm before it can occur.
Keywords matched
Refugees refugee refugees