6
(a)
The boat
people
(Chapter IV page 37-38). The
Report refers to concern over alleged breaches of human rights committed against the Vietnamese boat people but the Commission did not enquire into them since it is stated that such matters were outside the terms of reference. In fact, none of
the allegations referred to on page 37 have any substance even though they were apparently made by
the Hong Kong Bar Association. It is abundantly clear that the Vietnamese have been provided with legal assistance for the conduct of both criminal
and civil proceedings and that the Hong Kong
Government respects their human rights and in particular their right to express their opinions.
screening procedure was devised in
consultation with the UNHCR and is monitored by
The
UNHCR protection officers.
Representation is provided by a UNHCR associated agency. The Hong Kong Government accepts the right of the UNHCR to
exercise a mandate in relation to any asylum
seeker who is screened out and accords any such
person refugee status.