VOLUNTARY AND FORCED REPATRIATION OF MONTAGNARDS

UNCLAS BANGKOK 003745

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

GENEVA FOR RMA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREF VM CB CAMBODIA
SUBJECT: VOLUNTARY AND FORCED REPATRIATION OF MONTAGNARDS

REF: STATE 104154


1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 4.


2. (SBU) In June 7 discussion with UNHCR Regional
Representative Hasim Utkan on other matters, Refcoord took
the opportunity to pass along reftel guidance regarding U.S.
policy on voluntary and forced repatriation of Montagnards in
Cambodia.


3. (SBU) Utkan responded that UNHCR does not promote or
encourage repatriation. He also said that Montagnards who
have stated an interest in returning to Vietnam have been
adequately informed of the situation there, including reports
of possible mistreatment of returnees. They also sign
declarations that their returns are voluntary. Utkan said
that five individuals departed Cambodia for Vietnam on May

27. Of this group, four persons had been recognized by UNHCR
as refugees. They informed UNHCR that they had spent too
long in Phnom Penh and that there had been no progress on
their agenda. UNHCR is awaiting approval from Vietnam for
the voluntary return of another six persons. None of the
total of 40 persons who have returned to Vietnam recently had
been submitted for U.S. resettlement.


4. (SBU) Action request: Noting that the United States
opposed involuntary repatriation of so-called "refusenik"
refugees to Vietnam, Utkan asked about the U.S. position on
involuntary repatriation of Montagnards who had not been
granted UNHCR status. Utkan stated that he would ask
Assistant Secretary Dewey for clarification on this point
when they meet in Hanoi. Please provide guidance.
BOYCE