TNAG-1274-FCO40-1624-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 195

VIETNAMESE REFUGEES

ESSENTIAL FACTS

CONFIDENTIAL

Refugee Population

1.

Over 13,700 refugees awaiting resettlement in camps in Hong Kong. Highest number in South East Asia. Despite gradual decrease in numbers of people fleeing Vietnam by boat, Hong Kong's refugee population steadily rising. Main reason for this is diminishing resettlement opportunities. 60% of Hong Kong's refugee population

have been there for over a year; 'hardcore' of 22% for over 4 years. Additional problem, which is receiving publicity in Hong Kong, is number of births within camps: 544 in 12 months to 30 June 1983.

Closed Camp Policy

2.

Since July 1982 Hong Kong Government have confined all new arrivals in closed camps. Not permitted to seek outside employment (unlike those who arrived before July 82 who are accommodated in

open camps run by voluntary agencies). Aim is to deter would-be refugees from setting out from Vietnam. After slow start, now may be having some effect. Figures for arrivals in Hong Kong up to June 1983 about 50% down on last year, compared with regional decrease of 37%.

Human Rights

3. FCO Legal Advisers consider that Hong Kong's closed camp legislation puts UK in breach of obligations under International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

(i) by imprisoning Vietnamese refugees arbitrarily and

without judicial redress;

(ii) by subjecting them to harsh prison rules.

CONFIDENTIAL

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