REFUGEES
RESTRICTED
-
Regional refugee problem getting worse, particularly for Hong
Kong. Arrivals up, resettlement down. Resettlement alone cannot
ose
provide the answer: we are therefore also pursuing durable solutions, ie arrangements to return to Vietnam against suitable guarantees there who do not meet criteria of refugees. ASEAN for support, especially in pressuring Vietnam to control
continued outflow.
Look to
In meantime commend continuing efforts of UNHCR and other
organisations in answering humanitarian needs. Essential that principle of first asylum be maintained until full solution can be
achieved.]
(DEFENSIVE)
UK will continue to support relief efforts. But on settlement
main focus must be Hong Kong: consistently high case load of boat people (currently 12,000), high proportion of long stayers. Also
continue to accept Indo-Chinese under ODP and RASRO (Rescue at Sea
Resettlement offers).
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