DISTURBANCES AT HEI LING CHAU ON 19 JULY
Independent enquiry appointed by the Gover or recognised that Correctional Services Department staff were operating under considerable pressure at the time of the incident, but concluded that unnecessary force was used by some unidentified Correctional Services Department staff.
Hong Kong Government have acted very quickly as a result of report to examine operational procedures, and are considering whether disciplinary action should be taken against the staff involved.
LEGAL POSITION
Well established in international law and practice that, subject to any applicable treaties, all governments have right to decide which aliens enter and reside in its territory.
Hong - Only relevent treaties in this context relate to refugees. Kong's procedures are fully consistent with the 1951 Convention and 1967 Protocol relating to status of refugees, and UNHCR guidelines.
- Consistent with international law and practice that those people who do not meet criteria of refugees are liable to be sent back to county of origin.
Consistent with international law and practice that all those concerned should be held by the authorities pending clarification of their status; and that those screened out should be detained.
RESTRICTED