5.
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Hong Kong prefers to return the VMs through the Voluntary Return Programme operated by the UNHCR but it is obvious that this has to be complemented by the Orderly Repatriation Programme. Over 12,000 VMs returned voluntarily in 1992 and 1993.
Voluntary return, however, dropped in March this year on the eve of the Sixth CPA Steering Committee meeting. After the meeting, at which simplified procedures of clearing the return of the VMs were agreed and were since implemented progressively, over 800 VMs signed up for voluntary return in April and early May.
A majority of these volunteers, however, withdrew from the voluntary return programme when they heard in mid-May about proposals in the US Congress concerning a chance of rescreening. New applications for voluntary repatriation have since dropped to only a handful.
The uncertainty generated by the proposals has clearly engendered a wait-and- see attitude among the Vietnamese. This runs counter to the effort by all parties to bring the VM issue to an honourable ending. The uncertainty should be removed as quickly as possible so that the CPA can be concluded as soon as possible.
Accompanied by the acting Refugee Co-ordinator, Mr Gordon Leung, Mr Smith visited the High Island Detention Centre in the afternoon. Mr Smith was briefed by the management of the Centre and was shown the livelihood of the VMs.
He saw that the VMs lead a community lifestyle, not in prison cells, and are provided with all necessities such as food, medical and dental care, education and other social services. They also have access to television and radio, and there is little restriction on mail or visits.
The UNHCR also operates information centres where information on the latest developments in Vietnam, such as publications and video tapes from Vietnam and overseas, are freely available.
End/Friday, September 1, 1995
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