-11-
No
Aleviation of the problems that plague the open camps.
These problems
reflect the urgency of the situation, which, in the view of some refugee
officials, would be best relieved by increased resettlement opportunities.
There are three main closed camps: Chi Ma Wan, Hei Ling Chau, and
Bowring.
(See map)
Vietnamese from southern and central Vietnam are located
in Chi Ma Wan, and those from the north are in Hei Ling Chau.
Earlier, Hei
Ling Chau had a mix of refugees from the north and south, but this led in 1983
to an outbreak of rioting between the two groups in the camp and resulted in
their being separated into the two camps.
With their high barbed wire fences to prevent escape, the closed camps
resemble prisons. Other conditions in the camp are prison-like, too;
residents are allowed only minimal freedom. At the outset, personal
belongings are taken from them, personal cleanliness is supervised, and at
times results in cutting of hair to prevent lice. Women in particular find
this treatment deeply insulting, but camp authorities argue it is necessary
for health reasons.
These procedures were followed when the camps first opened, but some have
been relaxed since, partly as a result of unfavorable publicity such as that
contained in a 1983 British TV documentary of Chi Ma Wan camp, commissioned by
The authorities are also now considering taking down the barbed wire
UNHCR.
at some camps.
Sleeping quarters are cramped, with very little space--a compartment with
6X4 floor space--allotted to a family. These compartments, made from
industrial shelving, are arranged in two-tiered rows with a corridor between
them. Such conditions allow for virtually no privacy and little security for
personal possessions.