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The Hong Kong authorities are proceeding with screening carefully and thoroughly. Results so far have identified 38 genuine
refugees. Some 400 others have been screened out as failing to meet the relevant international criteria. Those screened in are being
accommodated in camps to await resettlement. Those screened out are being given a temporary home in Hong Kong until suitable arrangements can be made for their future.
C.
Talks with Vietnam on repatriation
Those who do not meet the criteria for refugee status cannot be
permanently accommodated in the small and overcrowded territory of
Hong Kong. Nor would it be right to contemplate the indefinite
detention of such people and their children. Their future can
There hove only lie in their own country. (and) It must be right to seek satisfactory arrangements in consultation with the Vietnamese authorities, for their return, without fear of punishment of
persecution.
It is with this objective that we have held two rounds of talks
with the Vietnamese authorities about the future of those boat
people who do not qualify as refugees. We have insisted on and
obtained - assurances from the Vietnamese that all returnees will be
treated humanely and will not be punished. We have also secured
the observance of these predger and the agreement of the Vietnamese that the UNHCR should monitor their
Revelay rost reintegration into Vietnam. These are important achievements which
should command I trust the House will join me in welcoming. They provide the
basis for a secure future for those for whom no other viable future
exists.
peror
Several hundred boat people in Hong Kong have already expressed a
wish to return to Vietnam The UNHCR are taking charge of the practical arrangements for this. I am pleased to confirm to the
House that a memorandum of understanding between the UNHCR and the
Vietnamese authorities was signed on 13 December. This clearly
provides for the monitoring by UNHCR of the arrangements for the
return and reintegration of the individuals concerned. It also
help provides for financial assistance to enable them to pick up the
threads of their former life.
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