Sir,
has given asylum to all refugees on small boats. But the number
in Hong Kong grows: indeed it was almost 800 more at 13606 at
the end of August this year than it was 12 months ago. Perhaps
more disturbing, a third have been there for more than three
years and no less than a quarter for more than four years.
Hong Kong continues to look after the largest number of boat
people in the region and I ask that those responsible for
drawing up national settlement programmes give priority to
these people who have waited much longer than others in the area.
CONCLUSION
20.
The UK is deeply concerned about refugee problems. We look
to UNHCR, as an intermediary of good will, to continue to play a
leading part in finding practical solutions. We consider UNHCR
an example of how an international humanitarian organisation should
function. We strongly support UNHCR and its aim to work for
durable solutions. There are of necessity constraints on our
ability to help financially and we shall therefore always have
to look carefully at UNHCR programmes with a view to maximising
their cost-effectiveness. In this our interests coincide completely
with those of the High Commissioner, the countries of asylum and
the refugees.
21.
We congratulate the High Commissioner on another year of
excellent work by his office. We also pay particular tribute to
the countries of asylum, especially those represented here, for
the burdens they shoulder to receive and accommodate large numbers
of refugees. And my last word goes to paying public tribute to
the work of the voluntary agencies in this field, who are also
represented in this room. Without their flexibility, dedication
and hard work, the rest of us could not function.
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