t
-5-
society which, though increasingly multi-racial, must still seem strange. With our voluntary agencies in the forefront, we are stepping up our efforts in this field. I hope other governments will continue to do all they can to alleviate this very heavy burden, so that Hong Kong can continue to respond liberally to future demands. I also hope that refugees from Hong Kong can have the same Access to processing centres as other refugees. The Hong Kong Government are grateful to UNHCR for all their cooperation and for their decision to meet the care and maintenance costs of all refugees in Hong Kong from 1 September. However, in their view the funds to be allo- cated to Hong Kong as outlined in the Assistance Report are inadequate. My delegation will deal with this point in more detail when we reach the agenda item on Assistance activities.
Refugee Problems Elsewhere
My Government fully recognise that there are many other areas in the world facing grave and costly refugee problems. Several countries in Africa are bearing a heavy burden. We greatly admire the way they are tackling this, in particular by encouraging permanent settlement in countries of first asylum. We have studied with interest the results of the Arusha Conference on refugees which the High Commissioner helped arrange in May. My Government has a special interest in Southern Africa. As you know, the Conference on Zimbabwe/Rhodesia is at this moment taking place in London. We are doing our utmost to help achieve a just and peaceful settlement which should help to resolve some of the refugee problems in the area.
Principles Governing the Treatment of Refugees
Turning to the general principles which should guide us, I believe that we must reassert the nccepted standards of international behaviour governing non-refoulement,
/temporary
Page 45Page 46
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.