HUMAN RIGHTS ASPECTS OF CLOSED CENTRE POLICY
We understand why some commentators should express
concern on this score: but we regard the policy as a
temporary and regrettable necessity in the circumstances
of Hong Kong.
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EXTENSION TO HONG KONG OF 1951 CONVENTION AND 1967
PROTOCOL RELATING TO THE STATUS OF REFUGEES
Neither has been extended to Hong Kong. 1951 Convention
was not extended to Hong Kong because of territory's
small size and geographical vulnerability to mass illegal
immigration. 1967 protocol was applied only to those
territories to which 1951 Convention was extended. Hong
Kong Government nevertheless cooperates fully with Office
of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Am
sure House will agree that Hong Kong has made major
contribution to international effort to assist
Indo-Chinese refugees.
Incidentally,
to our knowledge, none of the SE Asian
countries of the region giving temporary asylum to
Vietnamese and other Indo-Chinese refugees is party to
1951 Convention and 1967 protocol.
like Hong Kong, cooperate as
They nevertheless,
as possible with United
far as
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in protection of
and assistance to refugees.