SUYAAB
F.
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
RESTRICTED
1.
Is the new policy working?
It is too early to say. So far the flow of boat people has not abated: 3,170 have arrived since the new policy was introduced on 16 June. But it was always known that it would take time for the deterrent effect of the policy to work through. We are monitoring the situation carefully.
2.
Is repatriation a viable option?
There is a growing international consensus that the repatriation of non-refugees, subject to suitable safeguards, is
necessary.
UNHCR have opened discussions with the Vietnamese Government this. We have raised the question with the Vietnamese in London, Hanoi, and during the Foreign Secretary's meeting with Nguyen Co Thach in New York. Others have also raised it with the Vietnamese during talks in Geneva in May on the orderly departure programme. At their recent meeting ASEAN Foreign Ministers urged Vietnam to take boat people back.
This is not an easy matter and we cannot expect immediate progress. But we are encouraged to learn that Vietnam is now ready to discuss repatriation with the countries affected by the outflow of boat people. We are taking up the offer.
3.
Repatriation is morally unacceptable?
Repatriation would take place on the basis of suitable guarantees about the treatment of non-refugees on their return.
This must be morally preferable to indefinite detention in closed centres in Hong Kong, which was the effective position for most boat people under the previous policy.