TNAG-1418-FCO40-1901-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-Sub-Committee-on-Race-Relations-and--1985 — Page 77

Paragraph 78:

Paragraphs 83/84:

Paragraph 86:

3.

Of the three 'lessons' referred to in this paragraph, we would particularly like to emphasise the first as being crucial to achieving a successful outcome to any future refugee resettlement programme.

'We recommend that the scale of the refugee agencies' Vietnamese programme be increased, and that its funding be continued for as long as necessary to achieve its objectives.

In view of the problems which continue to face the Vietnamese in Britain as a result of mistakes made in the early stages of the resettlement programme - most particularly the dispersal policy SCF thoroughly supports the above recommendation, and hopes that all possible pressure be brought to bear on the relevant Government Departments to ensure adequate funding for its implementation.

'...we have not been presented with any comparative evidence showing a greater incidence of stress and mental illness among the Vietnamese than among other refugees, or indeed among the population as a whole, and the resilience of the Vietnamese in face of adversity has been pointed out.

1

...much of what depression and stress exists could be eliminated through a higher rate of employment, greater proficiency in English, more family reunions, and reduced isolation resulting from secondary migration.

SCF is particularly gratified to see that the Sub-Committee has, in our view, made an accurate assessment of the situation regarding stress among the Vietnamese, and of the measures required to alleviate the depression and stress which does exist. We believe in fact that it is surprising that the Vietnamese have not exhibited greater problems than they have in view of the pressures which inevitably result from prolonged isolation and separation from family members.

'We recommend that the DHSS...give serious consideration to the establishment of a central facility for severe cases, and that an official or officials with the Department be designated as having a responsibility for research and planning in respect of Vietnamese mental health.

Whilst endorsing in principle the above recommendation, we feel that any such facility should be set up and run by competent professionals who have knowledge, experience and understanding of both Western and non-Western concepts of mental illness and its treatment. In addition we believe that such a centre should be subject to careful monitoring and evaluation to ensure that it provides a service which is appropr- iate to the needs of the Vietnamese.

At a more general level, we feel that it is essential to provide training and to disseminate relevant information about the needs of refugees and other ethnic minority groups among Health Departments and Social Services in Britain.