CONFIDENTIAL
C
involuntary repatriation when he visited Hanoi in September 1984, he in fact discussed only voluntary repatriation (Mr Pike's teleletter of 8 September 1984 to Mr Nash). This was probably deliberate,
since one of UNHCR 's long established principles is that all
repatriation should be voluntary. We must therefore as sume that
UNHCR will not wish to be directly associated with a bilateral
approach by us to the Vietnamese. It would however be preferable to clear our lines with them first before instructing Hanoi. Mr Luce's meeting with Mr Hartling would be a good opportunity to raise the subject.
UKMI S
Geneva
have
misunderstandings it is very important
that
to
commented
avoid
to make it clear that we are
speaking of involuntary not voluntary repatriation. There have been misunderstandings in the past.
UNHCR work in Hong Kong
Closed Centres
6.
UNHCR cooperate in daily running of closed centres and currently
meet one third of annual
of annual expenditure on them (HK$ 20 million out of total of HK$ 60 million in 1984). They also provide dental services
and have recruited an educational coordinator for closed centres.
However they have stated publicly that they consider detention of refugees "under prison-like conditions for prolonged periods of time, in accordance with a policy of so-called 'humane deterrence'"
to be "at variance with the principles of international protection". (UNHCR Notes on International Protection, August 1984)
Open Centres
7.
By agreement
open
with the Hong Kong Government, UNHCR
centres, which are managed by voluntary
are
responsible for the
agencies on their behalf.
Jubilee Open Centre
8.
Jubilee is one of Hong Kong's two remaining open centres.
Originally used as a reception centre for new arrivals. Located in
two old mult-storey blocks: unsuited for high density, long-term
accommodation. Reopened as long-stay centre in June 1982 after
disturbances in the other open centre, Kai Tak: all southern
Vietnamese were then put in Jubilee and all northerners left in Kai
Until now Catholic voluntary agency, Caritas, has run the
Tak.
CONFIDENTIAL