1983 (Executive Committee—34th Session)
No. 31 (XXXIV) RESCUE OF ASYLUM-SEEKERS IN DISTRESS AT SEA ∗ (1983)
The Executive Committee,
(a) Noted with concern that, according to available statistics as contained in document (EC/SCP/30),
significantly fewer numbers of asylum-seekers in distress at sea are being rescued;
(b) Welcomed the initiatives undertaken by UNHCR to meet this grave problem by promoting measures to
facilitate the rescue of asylum-seekers in distress at sea and expressed the hope that those initiatives would
receive the widest possible support of governments;
(c) Recommended that States seriously consider supporting the efforts of UNHCR to promote the Rescue
at Sea Resettlement Offers (RASRO) scheme, as described in document (EC/SCP/30), and providing the
necessary quotas and other undertakings to enable UNHCR to initiate the scheme on a trial basis;
(d) Welcomed the support given by States to the DISERO scheme;
(e) Commended the initiatives undertaken by UNHCR in co-operation with the International Maritime
Organization aimed at identifying joint action for facilitating the rescue of asylum-seekers in distress at sea.
∗
CONCLUSION ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER’S
PROGRAMME UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON
INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION OF REFUGEES
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