SUPAAL
DURABLE SOLUTIONS
KIJA AES Sečanies mentalAN A
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Resettlement alone is not the answer. Long-term solution lies in creation of acceptable conditions in Vietnam to enable the return to Vietnam of those whose reason for leaving is essentially
economic.
In contact with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and with the main resettlement countries on this question.
Now active international discussion of the possibility of returning to Vietnam under suitable safeguards those who do not meet the criteria of refugees.
CLOSED CAMPS IN HONG KONG: THE OXFAM REPORT
We are carefully studying Oxfam's recent report on Hong Kong's
closed centres.
Closed centre policy was introduced with the greatest
reluctance to avert a situation in which the level of new arrivals was rapidly becoming intolerable: the Hong Kong Government believe,
and we agree,
that these centres are a regrettable necessity.
Closed centres do have deterrent effect.
Over the years, they
have contributed to discouraging Vietnamese from setting out on the dangerous voyage to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Government and British Government attach great importance to ensuring that conditions in the centres are as humane as possible.
UNHCR
Are in regular contact with We cooperate closely with UNHCR. them. My Hon Friend the Parliamentary Undersecretary of State, Mr Eggar had talks with senior UNHCR officials on 19 February. Stressed our concern about refugee problem in Hong Kong and sought UNHCR's assistance in promoting resettlement from Hong Kong.
My Hon Friend the Minister of State, the Minister for Overseas Development announced on 24 February a further £100,000 contribution to UNHCR's work in Hong Kong.
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