AAP_20.3.96: AUSTRALIAN NGOS PUSH F

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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