The Hong Kong Government think that the proposed allocation of $18 million for Hong Kong in 1980 is low given the present caseload of 65,000 refugees, and that because of continuing arrivals, and a lower resettlement rate it is likely to have an even greater proportion of refugees in 1980 compared to other
countries in the region, which have higher allocations.
to
From January to September 1979 Hong Kong's direct expendi- ture on refugees was $13 million. Much of this was the result of UNHCR's inability, during most of the period, accept financial responsibility for basic needs such as the provision of accommodation and care and maintenance for more than a small proportion of the refugee population.
UNHCR are not yet meeting all the costs Hong Kong believe they should.
The understanding reached on 14 August covered only care and maintenance and the expansion of the capacity of UNHCR camps to 44,000. On the assumptions of no future arrivals and a resettlement rate of 4,000 per month from October, Government management costs for refugees not in UNHCR camps would be about $1.5 million over the six months from 1 September. Hong Kong hope UNHCR will budget to meet these costs and they plan to discuss with UNHCR the taking over of another camp.
The Hong Kong Government feel that some of the responsibilities which UNHCR accept are not given adequate financial support. More management staff, welfare and resettlement counselling are needed, especially because of the urban setting of most camps, and the fact that many refugees are working, which of course greatly reduces overall UNHCR costs.
UNITED KINGDOM MISSION
GENEVA
10 October 1979