HK2AKE
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG: RESETTLEMENT IN JAPAN
DRAFT SPEAKING NOTE
1.
Remain seriously concerned about Vietnamese refugee problem in Hong Kong. UK and Hong Kong are accepting more
refugees,
as
are
several
friends
and
allies.
Pressing
others to do more.
Hong Kong's problem is more acute than
2.
those of other
places
refugees
of first
asylum
in
from
other places
the region: more Vietnamese
and (nearly 9000)
a higher
proportion (over 60%) of refugees who have spent more than 3 years in the camps.
3.
Acknowledge the
contribution Japan has made by
resettling
over
that Japan
the
200 refugees from Hong Kong. recognises
humanitarian
aspects
Appreciate
of the
problem. But would ask Japan to consider making a special effort, as others (including UK) are doing to help resolve
this difficult regional problem.
4.
to
UK has relaxed its resettlement criteria in order implement its policy of facilitating family reunion in UK.
some of its If Japan could interpret
rules and practices more sympathetically more refugees would become eligible for
resettlement.
5.
to
Accept that Japan, like other countries resettling refugees, needs criteria against which to decide whom
to us very accept. But Japan's rules and practices appear to tight. We fear they may be interpreted in such a way that
virtually none
can qualify of Hong Kong's camp population
for resettlement under them.