PTZAKT(2)
d)
In the exercise of UNHCR's traditional monitoring functions,
SRV will allow UNHCR full access to the returnees."
In practice, the Vietnamese authorities have granted open access to those who have returned to Vietnam not only to UNHCR staff, but
to British Government representatives and to visiting Western
journalists.
2.
3.
UNHCR representation in Vietnam consists of four personnel in Hanoi and one in Ho Chi Minh City, the latter due to be joined by a
colleague in September 1989. In March and April of this year 143
boat people voluntarily returned to Vietnam. We understand that by May, UNHCR personnel had visited 45 cases, according to the
following list:
6 March
7 March
Hanoi
Hanoi
2 cases
1 case
10 March
Haiphong
6 cases
14 March
30 March
Hanoi
7 cases
Hanoi
5 cases
31 March
Haiphong
3 cases
15 May
16 May
Hanoi
Haiphong
6 cases
3 cases
We further understand that the cases were chosen by UNHCR as those
likely to be most at risk. They included young army deserters and
street fighters. In all cases UNHCR were given free access to those they had asked to see, and they encountered no difficulties with the Vietnamese authorities over the monitary programme.
4. During his visit to Vietnam, former British Minister of State
Lord Glenarthur saw three separate groups of returned boat people
on 14 April 1989. Lord Glenarthur noted that all those he visited
said they would advise others in Vietnam not to leave and those
still in Hong Kong to return. He did not have the impression that
these boat people were speaking under duress.