Education and Vocational Training
We have noted the real efforts now being made to improve the standard of education and vocational training provided to the refugees. We welcome these changes, and would suggest
some more.
It appears to us that Hong Kong is breaching the United Nations Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, of which Britain is a signatory. Article 22 states: "The Contracting States shall accord to refugees the same treatment as is accorded to nationals with respect to elementary education." In fact, Hong Kong is discriminating against the refugees in three ways:
Refugee children, unlike Hong Kong children, are not required to attend school
Refugees are banned by law from attending all educational institutions
Camp schools do not meet the minimum standards for registered schools in Hong Kong
We suggest:
That all camp schools should be of a standard comparable to that required for registration under the Education Ordinance
That Education Department inspectors visit the schools and, while recognising their special circumstances, suggest how standards and facilities might be improved.
That the Education Department arrange a short basic teacher training course for Vietnamese teachers.
That elementary education of refugees be carried out within the camps.
That refugees in open camps who wish to pursue further education be allowed to attend outside educational institutions on an openly competitive basis.
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