A
B
For discussion
CONFIDENTIAL
on 4 February 1986
شيا الله
XCC (86) 23 Copy No
Rl this sta be on
Refugees-general, not Scorri, Sorry,
MEMORANDUM FÖR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
•
Aw Carte
PA
PROVISION OF A RASRO TRANSIT CENTRE IN HONG KONG
Introduction
(14)
・SCORRY! коле!
3
On 2 July 1985 Members considered memorandum XCCI(85)29 which described a new UNHCR
UNHCR resettlement scheme known as RASRO (Rescue at Sea Resettlement Offers Scheme), which came into effect on 1 May 1985. A copy of memorandum XCCI(85)29 is at Annex A.
2
The general rule in respect of refugees rescued at sea is that they are landed at the ship's first port of call with a view to being resettled within a period prescribed by the country in which the port is situated. Countries participating in the RASRO Scheme have
Scheme have agreed
agreed to
to pledge a number of resettlement places for ship rescue cases who are then resettled in these
these countries, in proportion to their pledge, evenly throughout the year.
3
One aspect of the RASRO Scheme was the provision of a refugee processing centre in the Philippines for those ship rescue cases not resettled within the guarantee period. Although the RASRO Scheme came into effect on 1 May 1985 the Philippine Government was unable to agree to provide the centre and the UNHCR has approached the Hong Kong Government to ask whether it would agree
would agree to establish a RASRO transit centre in Hong Kong.
4
The purpose of this memorandum is to seek Members' views on the provision of a RASRO transit centre in Hong Kong.
The operation of the RASRO Scheme
5
Since it was introduced on 1 May 1985 the UNHCR has advised that the RASRO Scheme has been working well.
A copy of the latest UNHCR quarterly report on RASRO is at Annex B. Although fewer ship rescues have taken place than were expected, the resettlement countries have been able to share the number of refugees rescued more evenly throughout the year and amongst themselves.
It has been welcomed by all
participating countries.
6
Hong Kong's role in ship rescue cases is that of a first port of call
refugees are
where
landed to await
CONFIDENTIAL
KK 243/
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
03 FEB 1986
DESK OFFICEH
INDEX
PA
sction Taken