For decision
on 10 January 1989
CONFIDENTIAL
XCC (89) 7 Copy No
.......... нко HKD 243/9
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
VIETNAMESE BOAT POEPLE
VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION TO VIETNAM
24
L..
28
PA
repat
file
A
THE PROBLEM
launched an
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has
international appeal for contributions to fund an initial repatriation and reintegration programme to enable 500 Vietnamese refugees and boat people to return to Vietnam on a voluntary basis. The UNHCR has made a specific request for an early contribution from HMG and the Hong Kong Government.
RECOMMENDATION
2
To
ensure that the UNHCR repatriation and reintegration plans get off
off to a good start, and set an example to encourage other potential donor countries to come forward, we recommend that we should make an early contribution of $1 million (approximately US$128,000).
BACKGROUND AND ARGUMENT
3
On 18 October 1988, we reported to Members in Memorandum XCCI (88)80 (at Annex A) on the outcome of the second round of talks in London on Vietnamese Boat People.
4
We reported, inter alia, that it was clear that we could not have reached an agreement for the phased return of the volunteers without a commitment by the British side (i.e HMG and HKG together), at least in
least in principle, on financial assistance for a repatriation programme. The Vietnamese agreed that this should be organised by and channelled through the UNHCR, and that the assistance would follow established UNHCR practice, that is, it would be targetted at those returning and limited to direct assistance in kind.
5
a
As a related matter, the UNHCR has now concluded Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam ΟΠ the principles and procedures for voluntary repatriation. This provides that -
CONFIDENTIAL