CITIZENS COMMISSION ON INDOCHINESE REFUGEES

Transcription

1 LEO CHERNE Chairman WILLIAM J. CASEY Co-Chairman MSGR.ToHNAHERN KENNETH CAUTHEN CECIL B. LYON WARREN C. MEEKER JAMES A. MICHENER 1OHN RICHARDSON, JR. MRS. THELMA RICHARDSON BAYARD RUSTIN ALBERT SHANKER RABBI MARC H. TANENBAUM MRS. LAWRENCE COPLEY THAW STEPHEN YOUNG ROBERT DE VECCHI LOUIS A. WIESNER CITIZENS COMMISSION ON INDOCHINESE REFUGEES CARE OF INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE, INC. 386 PARK AVENUE SOUTH NEW YORK, NEW YORK TEL (212) CABLE: INTERESCUE, NEW YORK FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HELP URGED FOR CAMBODIANS MASSING ON THAI BORDER New York, Sept The mobilization of a private and governmental relief effort for an estimated 200,000 Cambodians thrusting toward the Thai border - and who will probably soon cross over - was urged today by the Citizens Commission on Indochinese Refugees. The Commission said that "the specter of famine and disease threatens to decimate the remaining population of Cambodia," where an estimated two million people have died since The Commission's statement issued today said that the atrocities committed inside Cambodia constitute "crimes against humanity on a scale not seen since the holocaust," and that Cambodia "has truly become the Auschwitz of Asia and the Khmer people a nation of refugees." The fighting between Vietnamese and Pol Pot forces in Cambodia, the Commission added, has "completed the uprooting of an entire people and plunged them into an abyss of hunger and disease. In this Year of the Child, more than two million Cambodian children are among the starving, the dying and the dead." The Co-Chairmen of the Citizens Commission - an independent body of Americans formed to study the problems of refugees from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam - are Leo Cherne, Chairman of the International Rescue Committee, and William J. Casey, former U.S. Undersecretary of State. (THE FULL TEXT OF THE CITIZENS COMMISSION STATEMENT FOLLOWS) An independent committee of citizens formed with the assistance of the International Rescue Committee for study of the problems and policies affecting the refugees from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

2 LEO CHERNE Chairman WILLIAM J. CASEY Co-chairman MEMBERS OF COMMISSION MSGR. JOHN AHERN KENNETH CAUTHEN CECIL B. LYON WARREN C. MEEKER JAMES A. MICHENER JOHN RICHARDSON, JR. MRS. THELMA RICHARDSON BAYARD RUSTIN ALBERT SHANKER RABBI MARC H. TANENBAUM MRS. LAWRENCE COPLEY THAW STEPHEN YOUNG ROBERT DE VECCHI LOUIS A. WIESNER CITIZENS COMMISSION ON INDOCHINESE REFUGEES CARE OF INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE, INC. 386 PARK AVENUE SOUTH NEW YORK, NEW YORK TEL. (212) CABLE: INTERESCUE, NEW YORK HELP URGED FOR CAMBODIANS MASSING ON THAI BORDER The Citizens Commission on Indochinese Refugees has in the past expressed its revulsion at the atrocities committed by the Pol Pot regime against its own people -- crimes against humanity on a scale not seen since the holocaust. Cambodia has truly become the Auschwitz of Asia, and the Khmer people a nation of refugees. The Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia which installed the Heng Samrin government in Phnom Penh has only' increased their misery. Continued fighting between Vietnamese/Heng Samrin forces and remnants of the deposed Pol Pot regime has uprooted the entire Crcnbo'iian people and plunged them into the abyss of hunger and disease. In this Year of the Child, more than two million Cambodian children are among the starving, the dying and the dead. After the sufferings of the past four-and-a-half years during which an estimated two million Cambodians died, the specter of famine and disease threatens to decimate the remaining population. That grim prospect, compounded by the Vietnamese dry-season offensive which began in mid-september, will inexorably thrust toward and across the Thai border several hundred thousand refugees. The very survival of Khmer civilization is in question. The world must respond to this tragedy. The Citizens Commission applauds the work of UNICEF and ICRC (the International Committee of the Red Cross) in mounting a continuous and An independent committee of citizens formed with the assistance of the International Rescue Committee for study of the problems and policies affecting the refugees from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. more

3 - 2 - monitored international relief program in Cambodia (although this effort will not reach the border area where hundreds of thousands of Cambodian refugees are gathering). We profoundly hope that no further obstacles will be put in the way of this humanitarian work by the Vietnamese or Pol Pot forces. We believe the Royal Thai Government and the Thai Red Cross deserve high praise for their humanitarian concern for Cambodians on both sides of the border. We recognize the burden this imposes on Thailand. The Commission expresses the hope Thailand will continue its present policy and provide temporary asylum for those who flee. The Citizens Commission is greatly encouraged that plans are being developed by the United States government, under the direction of Ambassador Dick Clark's office, to assist those victims of the present conflict who can be reached -- both Cambodians and displaced Thais. We are confident that Congress will respond positively and speedily to a request for the necessary funds. It is also heartening that our government recognizes the vital role of the voluntary agencies, especially Catholic Relief Services, which has been feeding thousands of afflicted Cambodians on both sides of the border, and the International Rescue Committee, which has been providing urgently needed medical aid in the border area. However, a massive mobilization of human and material resources will be needed within days. Both the private and governmental sectors of the United States and many other nations must join to help Thailand meet the imminent crisis. It is reliably estimated that more than 200,000 displaced Cambodians will soon gather at or near the Thai border. We must act now. The fate of an entire people is at stake. 9/27/79

4 LEOCHERNE Chairman WILLIAM J. CASEY Co-Chairman MEMBERS OF COMMISSION MSGR.JOHNAHERN LEONEL J.CASTILLO KENNETH CAUTHEN HENRY A. KISSINGER CECIL B. LYON WARREN C. MEEKER JAMES A MICHENER JOHN RICHARDSON, JR. MRS. THELMA RICHARDSON BAYARD RUSTIN ALBERT SHANKER RABBI MARC H. TANENBAUM MRS. LAWRENCE COPLEY THAW LEONARD UNGER STEPHEN YOUNG ROBERT P. DE VECCHI ALTON KASTNER LOUIS A. WIESNER CITIZENS COMMISSION ON INDOCH1NESE REFUGEES CARE OF INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE, INC. 386 PARK AVENUE SOUTH NEW YORK, NEW YORK TEL. (212) CABLE: INTERESCUE, NEW YORK THE INDOCHINESE REFUGEE CRISIS NEW CRITICAL ISSUES The Citizens Commission issued its last set of policy recommendations in early Since then there have been significant, positive and hopeful developments, many of which reflect the Commission's recommendations. In addition, the Commission has been significantly expanded, adding greater reach and depth to its efforts. Among them will be the internationalization of the Commission itself in the immediate future. This is essential at this time, as serious problems remain and new critical issues have arisen which cannot nor should not be met by the United States alone. These require understanding, but most of all action, if the Indochinese refugee crisis is ever to be resolved. 1. Cambodian Refugees - The specter of death by starvation and disease hangs over Cambodia (Kampuchea), threatening the very survival of the Cambodian people. The valiant efforts of UNICEF, the International Committee for the Red Cross and other organizations to provide massive food and medical aid directly into Cambodia must not be impeded by political considerations. The Cambodian people must not be allowed to die while conflicting regimes dispute the right to represent them. Of equal concern is the fate of as many as a quarter of a million Cambodians who may at any time seek refuge in Thailand, to escape the fighting and to find food. The upheavals of the past years have made every surviving Cambodian, both in and outside of their homeland, a refugee. The Citizens Commission believes that the provision of food and medicines to this nation of refugees is the single most pressing urgency in Southeast Asia today. Organizations such as UNICEF and the ICRC must be supported to the upmost and a reliable, secure system for providing food and medicines on a massive and continuing basis directly into Cambodia must be attained. Private organizations such as Catholic Relief Services, Les Medecins Sans Frontieres and the International Rescue Committee must increase their efforts as well to provide food and medical care to refugees in the Thai- Cambodian border area. In this connection, the Citizens Commission is encouraged to learn that the Royal Thai Government is prepared to offer at least a temporary safe haven to those who may flee in the weeks ahead. 2. Viet Nam - Restrictions imposed by the Government of Viet Nam have drastically reduced the number of refugees fleeing Viet Nam by boat. This was in response to the initiatives of U.N. Secretary General Waldheim. While this has An independent committee of citizens formed with the assistance of the International Rescue Committee for study of the problems and policies affecting the refugees from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

5 - 2 - temporarily eased the crisis of the boat people, it has created new concerns which call for bold and humane responses. Not the least of these concerns is our deep anxiety that the price for stemming the exodus from Viet Nam has been the imprisonment of people whose desperate circumstances have in no respect changed. Countries such as Malaysia are no longer pushing boats away from their shores, and fewer refugees are drowning at sea. However, the fate of those in Viet Nam who otherwise would have fled or have been forced to flee is uncertain. The establishment of Vietnamese "gulags" for the dissident or the unwanted is a grim prospect and unacceptable alternative. It is not sufficient, however, to condemn conditions and policies in Viet Nam. The inadequate response of the world to date in offering homes to refugees from Viet Nam played a major part in the arrangements of an alternative of which no one can be proud. The Commission urges the establishment of generous and reliable programs whereby persons wishing to leave Viet Nam can do so directly, safely and without fear of persecution. This requires three elements: 1) The willingness of Hanoi to permit those wishing to leave to do so, under sufficient guarantees and safeguards to assure them personal security. 2) The generosity of the world community to offer homes to those who leave. 3) A reliable mechanism whereby this can be achieved. The Commission believes these steps must be taken now unless we are to witness a renewed massive outflow of boat people, with resulting drownings and atrocities. The United States and the world must increase their efforts to receive Viet Nam's unwanted. This is a critical test of the humanitarian commitment of the civilized world. The United States must play a lead role in this effort. Present U.S. policy is to accept persons directly from Viet Nam only if they have immediate relatives in this country to petition for them under normal immigration procedures. There is no provision, for example, for former U.S. employees or persons closely associated with the U.S., unless they have close relatives. The Commission feels that a more generous and flexible policy is called for, and will press for this. We also believe that other countries can and should do more, and will work vigorously towards this end as well. 3. Refugees from Laos - The hemorrhaging of refugees from Laos into Thailand continues, as does the decimation of the Hmong and other ethnic minorities seeking to escape. There are now over 150,000 refugees from Laos in Thailand. Their plight, as well as those still in Laos trying to flee are major Commission concerns. While the Commission reiterates its appreciation to the Royal Thai government for the refugee burden they bear, it must express concern about reported discussions with the government of Laos regarding the repatriation of Lao refugees. We intend to look into this question with the governments concerned, the UNHCR and other interested parties. Our concern is that the principles of voluntary repatriation be adhered to and the need for adequate safeguards to prevent reprisals be fully recognized. The Commission continues to manifest its special concern for the plight of the Hmong and other ethnic minorities both within Laos and in refugee camps in Thailand. Charges of the use of toxic gases and materials by Lao and Vietnamese

6 - 3 - military forces against the Hmong must be examined. Reports of involuntary repatriation from and refusal of entry to Thailand must be looked into. Conditions in the camps, especially Loei where the population has doubled to 38,000 over the past six months, must be improved. Our concern for Laotian refugees is deepened by unconfirmed reports of possible Chinese military incursions into northern Laos. Should large-scale fighting erupt, it is an almost foregone conclusion that there will be a new and massive outpouring of refugees from Laos into Thailand. 4. The Boat People - The unprecedented outflow of boat people in the late spring precipitated a major crisis in the countries of first asylum and created as well new areas where large numbers of boat refugees are concentrated. Partially as a result of Malaysian policy, for example, Indonesia has now become a major country of first asylum. Refugees have landed in large numbers on many Indonesian islands, especially the remote Anambas Island chain. Hong Kong has also received an extraordinary number of boat people over the last nine months. There are four major areas of concern to the Commission in the present situation: 1) Conditions in the new camps in Indonesia, especially the Anambas islands and the overcrowded buildings in Hong Kong which serve as camps. 2) Conditions in the relatively older boat camps such as Pulau Bidong and Cherating in Malaysia, Songkhla and Laem Sing in Thailand and Bintan Island in Indonesia. 3) Progress towards the creation of Refugee Processing Centers as holding areas under UNHCR supervision for refugees approved for entry at some future point into the United States. Both Indonesia and the Philippines have agreed to provide islands for this purpose. The Commission believes the R.P.C.s with a capacity for 50,000 refugees is a minimum, and encourages all concerned to achieve this goal in the speediest possible time. 4) Reactions of countries of first asylum should the number of boat people suddenly increase again. There is no reason to believe the present moratorium will last indefinately. It is critical to impress on the countries of first asylum how much is being done to relieve them of their burdens, but to solicit as well their good faith not to invoke draconian measures - and the resultant loss of life - should the flow unexpectedly increase again. 5. The World's Response - The most significant achievement of the U.N. sponsored conference on Indochinese refugees last summer was the securing of commitments from participating countries either to increase their quotas of refugees, or in some instances to accept Indochinese refugees for the first time or to increase financial support of the UNHCR. However, the Commission believes these responses are still inadequate to meet the task. Thus, the Commission is broadening its membership to include distinguished private citizens from abroad. Their stature will add weight to those recommendations

7 - 4 - of the Commission which call for a response from international agencies and the world community of nations. Their principal task will be to increase public awareness of the urgency of the situation and to stimulate greater resettlement opportunities as well as financial support for the UNHCR from the public and private sectors of their respective countries. In addition, the Commission will continue exploring all possible large scale resettlement opportunities in third world countries, backed by international financial and technical support. 6. The United States - The dramatic announcement by President Carter doubling the U.S. monthly intake of Indochinese refugees to 14,000 and ordering the 7th Fleet to pursue a vigorous policy to rescue refugees in distress at sea created a level of national awareness and concern unequaled since the crisis began in While the arrival of greatly increased numbers of refugees on our shores is clearly welcome, we must not blind ourselves to potential problems that may arise. Some indeed have already arisen. In most instances, they stem from local misunderstandings, particularly in areas of relatively large refugee concentrations. The arrival,of large numbers of refugees in any community, unless carried out with sensitivity to and understanding of local problems, can be perceived of as a threat to the existing social structure and can exacerbate social tensions. We must be particularly sensitive to this in a period when larger numbers of refugees are arriving each month while the economy is turning down, there is increased unemployment, high inflation and deepening, recession. The Commission will address itself to these issues and seek ways to avoid tensions which, if unchecked, could have a serious impact on the resettlement effort. Communication between the Federal government, the States, local governments, the voluntary agencies, ethnic groups and local community groups must be improved. It would be too cruel an irony if, after all the efforts by and the generous response of the American people, Indochinese refugees were to become a source of controversy in our society. This need not happen, and the Commission will do all in its power to see that it does not. October 2, 1979