FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE EVIDENCE, 11 JULY
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE:
Summary of Topics
1. Situation in Hong Kong
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
International aspects: SC4
Vietnamese aspects, including Aid
US attitudes
Relations with ASEAN countries
Chinese assistance
Relationship with UNHCR
EC attitudes
Objectives
I. SITUATION IN HONG KONG
A.
Statistics
(summary at Annex A)
Aim to get all refugees out of Hong Kong by end of year.
Resettlement should account for half current population. Working
for agreement with Philippines that remainder should go to new RRTC. Over 500 accepted into existing PRPC in Bataan.
Aim to return non-refugees at rate of 1000 a month.
returned in June. Similar number should return in July
(volunteers).
B. Situation in the Camps
-
63.699
I thighh Yes
Programme of building to reduce overcrowding. HMG contributing
£9.7m to new camp on Tai A Chau.
Should enable conditions to be improved.
VBP to be allowed greater involvement in the running of the
centres, as announced by Mike Hanson, Refugee Coordinator in Hong
Kong.
PHLATJ