CONSULTATION WITH UNHCR
- Close consultation with UNHCR on all aspects of the new policy. Screening is on basis of UNHCR criteria, meets UNHCR requirements. UNHCR can monitor screening, assist in appeals, have access to all
boat people.
We announced in September a contribution of £1 million towards UNHCR expenditure in Hong Kong. Further funds will be made
available later.
HUMANE TREATMENT ON RETURN TO VIETNAM
Attach great importance to satisfactory assurances of humane treatment of all who return to Vietnam. Vietnamese have assured us
and UNHCR that all returnees will be well treated and will not face punishment. Would not send any boat people back to Vietnam if we were not satisfied about the treatment they would receive there.
All who have asked to go back will do so under an UNHCR programme,
which is now under discussion between UNHCR and Vietnamese. UNHCR will naturally ensure that this includes arrangements to permit monitoring and ensure humanitarian treatment of those who return.
START WITH VOLUNTARY RETURNS
Agreed with Vietnam to start with those who have asked to go back. Over 400 have asked to do so. These are all interviewed by UNHCR
before their details are passed to Vietnam as first step towards
their return.
Hope successful arrangements for early return of those who have asked to go back will encourage many more to follow their example.
FORCIBLE RETURNS TO VIETNAM
We believe that in due course all except genuine refugees must go back, once satisfactory arrangements for this have been made in consultation with the Vietnamese authorities. Those screened out as
non refugees have no prospect of resettlement. Cannot stay indefinitely in Hong Kong. Their future lies in Vietnam. Must be right to work for acceptable arrangements for this. Vietnamese have agreed that comprehensive settlement is needed to cover all
non-refugees.
NO AID WHILE VIETNAMESE TROOPS IN CAMBODIA/REINTEGRATION ASSISTANCE
No question of bilateral aid to Vietnamese Government. We have agreed in principle to make humanitarian contribution to UNHCR reintegration assistance programme. Modest practical assistance to enable those who return to settle successfully back into their communities. Very important that repatriation programme is implemented smoothly. Will encourage others to step forward.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.