"AHÁ'Í INFORMATION OFFICE
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom
27 Rutland Gate London SW7 IPD Telephone: 01-584 2566
Telegrams & Cables: Bahá'í London SW7
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Asia Committee
British Refugee Council
Bondway House
3/9 Bondway
London SW8 1SJ
15 September 1986
Dear Sirs,
Baha'i Vietnamese Boat People, Hong Kong
HKivi 943/4
RECEIVED - REGISTRÝ
- 7 OCT 1986
SICUR
PA
REGISTRY
Auton taken
Following a recent communication from the Baha'is in Hong Kong regarding the plight of the Vietnamese Baha'is who are interned in the closed camps there,
the Baha'i Information Office sought assistance from the Hong Hong Government Office.
On 8 September last, our Information Officer, Mrs Zarin Hainsworth, met Mr Benjamin Tang, Assistant Commissioner, to consult with him on the situation. Although the Baha'i Faith has consultative status on the United Nations Educational and Social Organisation, is established in 166 countries throughout the world, adherents residing in 115,901 localities the world over, and is recognised as an independent world religion in many countries, the Vietnamese in the closed camps are not allowed to practice their religion as the camp authorities do not recognise the Baha'i Faith.
We are, therefore, most concerned that the Hong Kong Government, and especially their Correction Services Department, be urged to recognise the Baha'i Faith and allow the believers under their jurisdiction to practice their faith. As you know the closed camps were created as a deterrent to economic migrants and there are many refugees suffering from prison-like conditions merely because they are without a home.
We would be most grateful if you could give attention to this matter and inform us as to what you feel you can do and what you consider the best procedure would be to alleviate the situation of the Baha'i Vietnamese Boat People in closed camps in Hong Kong.
Wishing you success in your every endeavour,
hearing from you,
Yours faithfully,
Zain Hainst Найр
Zarin Hainsworth
Baha'i Information Officer
and looking forward to
mek
Registered No: 355737 England - Registered Charity (1967) 250851
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