PT ZACD
15.
Conditions in the Camps
ale
Both the Hong Kong Government and the British Government attach great importance to ensuring that conditions in the centres are humane as possible. The Hong Kong Government are acutely aware of the problems of overcrowding and are actively examining possible solutions. The recent influx is aggravating the situation. Emergency accommodation is being provided and plans for new centres
drawn up.
Education and vocational training in the centres is organised by the voluntary agencies under the auspices of the UNHCR. Schooling (primary and secondary) has been provided for refugee children since 1979. Standards have steadily improved. Small scale light industrial undertakings have been introduced into the closed centres to provide refugees with employment, skill training and some experience of western work practices. There is also training available in carpentry, tailoring etc. The UNHCR, the voluntary agencies and the Hong Kong Government together are engaged in an examination of ways to improve training and education. to be suspended temporarily owing to the recent influx.
This has had
(IF PRESSED) the Hong Kong Government consider the Correctional Services Department to be the only service in Hong Kong suited tɔ The performing the difficult task of running the closed centres. CSD run a variety of institutions, not just prisons; for example treatment centres for drug addicts. Many CSD staff have social welfare qualifications, and are well equipped to deal with the full range of potential problems.