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AAP_20.3.96: AUSTRALIAN NGOS PUSH F
Subject: AAP_20.3.96: AUSTRALIAN NGOS PUSH FOR GREATER REFUGEE PROTECTION
AUST URGED TO RECONSIDER SUPPORT FOR REPATRIATION
BURMA REFUGEES (CANBERRA)
The Australian government's been urged to consider withdrawing
support for the return to Burma of ethnic minority refugees if
there's no guarantee they won't be pressed into forced labour.
It's also being urged to press Burma's ruling junta and the Thai
Government to allow the UN to visit refugee camps along the
Thai-border and in Mon state, where Mon people are returning.
The push is being made by The Australian Council for Overseas
Aid and the Burma non-governmental group forum.
The proposals are among 21 recommendations in a report released
today.
The report identifies serious problems with the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees'
repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Burma.
It also raises concerns about Thailand's treatment of refugees.
aap RTV kaw/ccs/jlw
FED: DOWNER PROMISES TO LOOK INTO BURMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM
BURMA REFUGEES (CANBERRA)
Foreign Minister ALEXANDER DOWNER says he's unaware of reports
of alleged ill-treatment of returning Burmese refugees but will
look into the situation.
Mr DOWNER was responding to calls from the Australian Council
for Overseas Aid and the Burma non-governmental group forum which
released the report.
The report identifies serious problems with the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees' repatriation of Rohingya refugees from
Bangladesh to Burma and raises concerns over Thailand's treatment
of refugees.
Mr DOWNER says he'll consider the material -- at the same time
announcing a further $2 million to help Burmese refugees living on
the borders of Thailand and Bangladesh.
aap RTV kaw/ccs/jlw