HONG
_KONG_S_REFUGEE CAMPS
Since writing this report in November 1987 I have talked with many people about the problems that exist both for and with refugees in Hong Kong. There is no doubt that people express great concern over the present situation - this includes both normal members of the public and Members of Parliament, to name but two groups of people with whom I have been able to discuss the matter.
However, that said, there is a
there is a sense of inertia surrounding the problem. In reality, most people
tired of hearing about yet another group of people who are suffering and in need of help. There are so many problems in the world we cannot be expected to help all of them. But to those people I would say that this is a problem that has been dragging on well beyond the necessary time. The problems of refugees from Vietnam has been going on since 1978 - ten years ago, and it is surely time that it reached its conclusion. There is no longer a need for these camps in Hong Kong. In 1979-1981 there were many thousands of people in need of help. The West responded generously with offers of resettlement, but now, for fear of compromising the immigration policies being laid down for Europe as a whole, we are afraid to make that final gesture or decision to clear the camps, declare that people from Vietnam can no longer be seen as refugees and so bring the problem to end. The problem exists in Vietnam that is where we should be trying to help. Instead we 'negotiate' with the Vietnamese authorities for repatriation of people who have, in some cases, been in Hong Kong since 1980, who left Vietnam because they were afraid. Let us opt for the fast solution and give these people a home in the West.
Governments are the voice of the people they are elected by the people.
policy can change. So it is up to you the people who express an interest in this problem to try to change the policy. Write to your local MP, tell your friends. Most important of all do something rather than nothing.
If public opinion is swayed then
an
Oliver Hall March 1988
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