TNAG-1798-FCO40-2558-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation--including-Opera-1988 — Page 6

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The Hong Kong authorities are proceeding with screening carefully and thoroughly. Results so far have identified 38 genuine

refugees. Some 400 others have been screened out as failing to meet the relevant international criteria. Those screened in are being

accommodated in camps to await resettlement. Those screened out are being given a temporary home in Hong Kong until suitable arrangements can be made for their future.

C.

Talks with Vietnam on repatriation

Those who do not meet the criteria for refugee status cannot be

permanently accommodated in the small and overcrowded territory of

Hong Kong. Nor would it be right to contemplate the indefinite

detention of such people and their children. Their future can

There hove only lie in their own country. (and) It must be right to seek satisfactory arrangements in consultation with the Vietnamese authorities, for their return, without fear of punishment of

persecution.

It is with this objective that we have held two rounds of talks

with the Vietnamese authorities about the future of those boat

people who do not qualify as refugees. We have insisted on and

obtained - assurances from the Vietnamese that all returnees will be

treated humanely and will not be punished. We have also secured

the observance of these predger and the agreement of the Vietnamese that the UNHCR should monitor their

Revelay rost reintegration into Vietnam. These are important achievements which

should command I trust the House will join me in welcoming. They provide the

basis for a secure future for those for whom no other viable future

exists.

peror

Several hundred boat people in Hong Kong have already expressed a

wish to return to Vietnam The UNHCR are taking charge of the practical arrangements for this. I am pleased to confirm to the

House that a memorandum of understanding between the UNHCR and the

Vietnamese authorities was signed on 13 December. This clearly

provides for the monitoring by UNHCR of the arrangements for the

return and reintegration of the individuals concerned. It also

help provides for financial assistance to enable them to pick up the

threads of their former life.

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