REPATRIATION
[UNHCR involvement?]
Close consultation with UNHCR on all aspects of the new policy. Screening is on basis of established international criteria. Meets UNCHR requirements. UNHCR can monitor screening, assist in appeals, have access to all boat people.
[Forcible returns to Vietnam?]
We are not talking about compulsion at this stage. But are making it very clear that only viable option for non-refugees is to resume their lives in their own country. Must be right to work for acceptable arrangements for this.
[Can Vietnam's assurances be accepted?]
Would not send any boat people back to Vietnam if we were not satisfied about the treatment they would receive there. Vietnam's assurances of no prosecution, persecution or punishment of returnees are included in Vietnamese/UNHCR Memorandum of Understanding on repatriation.
CONDITIONS IN CAMPS
Hong Kong Government now accommodate 25,000 boat people, including over 18,000 arrivals in 1988, safely and with adequate provisions of food and medical facilities. A major strain on their resources: but they have coped magnificently.
[conditions in San Yick factory building] Hong Kong Government are planning to move the residents from this building as soon as possible. About 1,000 people have already been moved. It is envisaged that all will be rehoused by early 1989.
[conditions for "refugees"] Hong Kong Government are bringing forward their programme to liberalise conditions for those accorded refugees status. These are being given access to work and education to prepare them for eventual resettlement. In due course UNHCR will oversee the management of the "refugee" centres.