U.N. refugee body backs draft evaders

Press, 14 January 1982, Page 12

U.N. refugee body backs draft evaders

PA Wellington South African draft dodgers seeking refuge in New Zealand are likely to have the support of the New Zealand representative of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. The legal adviser to the Sydney-based representative, Dr Guy Goodwin-Gill, said that the United Nations General Assembly resolution on tne point meant a strong case for Soutn African draft dodgers being classed as refugees. The Minister of Immigration (Mr Malcolm) is guided by the Sydney representative’s ’ recommendation. Officials in Wellington have confirmed that this will create a strong case, in spite of New Zealand’s having voted against the United Nations resolution on the point. Dr Goodwin-Gill also said he believed one South African seeking to avoid serving in that country’s armed forces had recently applied for refugee status in New Zealand. ■ I think the recommendation w T as that his case did not have any substance and should be' turned down, but do not know whether a final decision has been made by the Minister," he said.

A Foreign Affairs spokesman confirmed that a South

African deserter in New Zealand had applied last year to the inter-departmental committee in Wellington for refugee status, but failed to make out a case.

Dr Goodwin-Gill referred to General Assembly resolutions of 1979 and 1980 which had in essence asked governments to help people compelled to leave Soutn Africa because of their objections to serving in its military forces. The call was part of a longer resolution on military and nuclear collaboration with South Africa. New Zealand voted against the December. 1980, resolution on the grounds that it was discriminatory and unfair. A Foreign Affairs spokesman said that the call to grant refuge to deserters had not been a factor in the decision to vote against. The resolution had accused the United States, West Germany, and Israel of collaborating with the "racist regime” in the nuclear field, and condemned alleged United States efforts to revive a South Atlantic Treaty Organisation. in Australia, the Immigration Minister (Mr lan MacPhee) said last week that at least 12 young South Africans escaping the draft had already been accepted as refugees.