The International Review has often referred to the humanitarian importance of the ICRC travel document, especially when events produce massive movements of people across frontiers. Recent examples are the transfers of people from Uganda to various countries which granted them asylum and from the island of Guam to other places. In the first instance, the travel documents were given to refugees of Indian origin and in the second to Vietnamese refugees. In both cases, the ICRC document rendered a great service to its recipients.

We believe it may be useful to recall the nature of the travel document and the purpose of the International Committee in providing it.