:
HOW DOES HONG KONG'S TREATMENT OF REFUGEES COMPARE WITH THAT
OF OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE AREA?
6. It is a matter of considerable satisfaction that the
humane and sympathetic treatment offered in Hong Kong is on
a par with the best offered anywhere.
WHY ARE REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM ACCEPTED IN HONG KONG WHEN THOSE
FROM CHINA ARE REPATRIATED?
7. It is not true that refugees from China are repatriated.
Those who are returned are illegal immigrants who do not fall within the definition of a refugee as given in the UN Convention on the Status of Refugees.
UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS ARE THE REFUGEES LIVING IN HONG KONG?
8. The "boat people" are accommodated by UNHCR in hotels
and guest houses; the remainder are living with relatives and friends or in private accommodation.
HAS THE UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES GIVEN AN UNDERTAKING
FOR ALL THE "BOAT PEOPLE"?
9.
Yes. UNHCR has undertaken to maintain and accommodate
all in this category and to facilitate their onward movement.
WHAT WILL HMG'S POLICY BE ON ACCEPTING MORE "BOAT PEOPLE"?
10. This is a matter for my Rt Hon Friend the Secretary of
State for the Home Department.
WHAT CONTRIBUTION IS THE UK MAKING TO ASSIST THE REFUGEES IN
HONG KONG?
11. The Government has contributed £750,000 in the current financial year to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees' programme for South East Asian refugees. This programme pays for the upkeep and accommodation of "boat people" in
Hong Kong.
WHAT HELP WILL HMG OFFER IN THE RESETTLEMENT OF REFUGEES IN
THAILAND OR ELSEWHERE IN SOUTH EAST ASIA?
12. The decision whether to accept refugees for resettlement must be for the individual countries concerned. If countries or the UNHCR were to approach us we would certainly be
prepared to consider whether we could help.
2