}
CONFIDENTIAL
Background
UNHCR concern about screening results in Hong Kong
1.
On 3 February UNHCR passed a Note to the Hong Kong Government
and to UKMIS Geneva expressing concern about certain aspects of the
screening policy for Vietnamese boat people.
2.
UNHCR accept that the new screening policy introduced by the
Hong Kong Government on 16 June 1988 is the best way of dealing with
the Vietnamese boat people problem. They regard this as the first
step towards the introduction of a region-wide screening programme.
For this reason they are particularly anxious that the screening
programme in Hong Kong should be seen to work properly.
3.
UNHCR have told us that they are generally satisfied with
the screening programme established in Hong Kong and acknowledged
that they have enjoyed co-operation from Hong Kong officials. But
they are concerned about the low rate of 'screening-in', a certain
number of individual cases which they believe should have been
screened-in as refugees, and detention conditions in the camps. The UNHCR Note also raised a number of specific procedural concerns.
4. The Hong Kong Government's response is due to be handed over
simultaneously in Hong Kong and Geneva on 27 February at 12 noon
(Geneva time). It is conciliatory and constructive in tone. In
particular, it reaffirms the Hong Kong Government's desire to
cooperate closely with UNHCR in operating the screening procedures within the agreed guidelines and in rectifying any apparent shortcomings. It also explains why the screening-in rate is
comparatively low and address the specific procedural points raised. It also offers to discuss with UNHCR any individual case of concern
and any improvements that might be made to the procedures.
5. The UNHCR Note is a potentially unhelpful development which
could undermine the fragile international consensus on our screening
policy. It could also have adverse effects here in view of recent
press reports about forcible repatriation. So far the details of
the UNHCR Note have not leaked to the press.
CONFIDENTIAL