TNAG-1424-FCO40-1907-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-general-1985 — Page 149

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involuntary repatriation when he visited Hanoi in September 1984, he in fact discussed only voluntary repatriation (Mr Pike's teleletter of 8 September 1984 to Mr Nash). This was probably deliberate,

since one of UNHCR 's long established principles is that all

repatriation should be voluntary. We must therefore as sume that

UNHCR will not wish to be directly associated with a bilateral

approach by us to the Vietnamese. It would however be preferable to clear our lines with them first before instructing Hanoi. Mr Luce's meeting with Mr Hartling would be a good opportunity to raise the subject.

UKMI S

Geneva

have

misunderstandings it is very important

that

to

commented

avoid

to make it clear that we are

speaking of involuntary not voluntary repatriation. There have been misunderstandings in the past.

UNHCR work in Hong Kong

Closed Centres

6.

UNHCR cooperate in daily running of closed centres and currently

meet one third of annual

of annual expenditure on them (HK$ 20 million out of total of HK$ 60 million in 1984). They also provide dental services

and have recruited an educational coordinator for closed centres.

However they have stated publicly that they consider detention of refugees "under prison-like conditions for prolonged periods of time, in accordance with a policy of so-called 'humane deterrence'"

to be "at variance with the principles of international protection". (UNHCR Notes on International Protection, August 1984)

Open Centres

7.

By agreement

open

with the Hong Kong Government, UNHCR

centres, which are managed by voluntary

are

responsible for the

agencies on their behalf.

Jubilee Open Centre

8.

Jubilee is one of Hong Kong's two remaining open centres.

Originally used as a reception centre for new arrivals. Located in

two old mult-storey blocks: unsuited for high density, long-term

accommodation. Reopened as long-stay centre in June 1982 after

disturbances in the other open centre, Kai Tak: all southern

Vietnamese were then put in Jubilee and all northerners left in Kai

Until now Catholic voluntary agency, Caritas, has run the

Tak.

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