TNAG-1796-FCO40-2556-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation--including-Opera-1988 — Page 89

Officials working in closed camps and detention centres (where all new arrivals are detained), as well as those working for voluntary agencies, have expressed concern that a drop in morale among refugees fearing repatriation would result in unrest. A warning of violence erupting in the camps came from CSD Commissioner Chan Wa-shek on 21 July, when he commented on two disturbances in Hei Ling Chau the previous week. The SCMP had earlier reported a "hunger-strike" among women refugees in Hei Ling Chau on 9 August to protest alleged ill-treatment, although a CSD official denied this had taken place and that the women were only "late for their morning meal".

On 22 July Amnesty International wrote to Sir David Wilson, Governor of Hong Kong, requesting information on the new screening procedure and asking for certain assurances with regard to its operation. In particular, Amnesty International asked that the decision-making authority should take account of information regarding the risk of human rights violations which may be faced by asylum seekers who return to Vietnam.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Telegrams/telexes/airmail letters:

expressing concern at the allegations of it-treatment of Vietnamese asylum seekers at Hei Ling Chau on 19 July 1988;

- urging that an independent inquiry be instituted to investigate these allegations;

- seeking assurances from the authorities that appropriate steps are being taken to prevent such incidents occurring again.

APPEALS TO:

Sir David Wilson

Governor

Office of the Governor

Government House

Victoria

Hong Kong

Telegrams: Governor David Wilson,

Victoria, Hong Kong

Telex: 5 810 1592

COPIES TO:

Mr G.T.Barnes

Secretary for Security

Government Secretariat Lower Albert Road

Hong Kong

Telegrams: Security Secretary Barnes, Hong Kong

Telex: 5 810 5385

diplomatic representatives of the British Government in your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 7 October 1988.

THIS IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY. THE BRITISH SECTION IS NOT TAKING ACTION FOR THIS APPEAL.

Please take action as soon as you receive this Urgent Action appeal. Carefully read the recommended action. If possible. send a telegram or express letter immediately to one or more of the addresses given. Other letters can be sent afterwards.

Telegrams and letters should be prief and courteous. Stress that your concern for human rights is not in any way politically partisan. Refer 10 relevant provisions 10 ternational aw. such as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

Everyone has the right to life. liberty and

Article 3

security or person.

Article 5

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel. Inhuman or dograding treatment punishment.

or

Article 9 "No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest. detention or exile."

The name of Amnesty International may be used, althougn letters written in a private or personal capacity may be more effective.

Copies of appeals should be sent to relevant diplomatic representatives in your country.

in Urgent Action cases. Amnesty International nas to act rapidly to prevent the ill-treatment of prisoners. An appeal is Issued when Amnesty International believes it has received reliable and accurate information in such cases. it is not always possible to verify all details independently and in some instances the situation outlined in the appeal may chance. Urgent Action participants are always notified of any significant new facts.

Copies or any repues received from government authorities should be sent immediately to your section's Urgent Action coordinator or direct to the Campaign and Membersnip Department of the International Secretariat. If appropriate. thank the official who nas replied and ask to be kept informed about the case.