TNAG-1905-FCO40-2709-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-voluntary-and-mandatory-repat-1989 — Page 415

30/05/89

11:36

UK MISSION GENEVA

{

NO. 598

P005/008

The Government

the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam will permit UNHCR to exercise its traditional monitoring function by providing full

to the

In returnees.

return, UNHCR will ensure appropriate reintegration assistance to returnees aimed at helping them to resume normal life in the shortest possible time.

access

There are at present some 300 persons in camps in South East Asia who The majority are currently have expressed an interest in returning home. in Hong Kong. All applicants have been interviewed by UNHCR and the voluntary character of their repatriation request has been ascertained. The dossiers of all applicants have been transmitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam which has approved their return in principle.

a Vietnamese team of In early January 1989, counsellor officers will proceed to Hong Kong to issue travel documents to the applicants and it is expected that all these voluntary repatriants will have flown back to Viet Nam before the end of January.

In view of these developments, UNHCR is therefore in the process of establishing a project for the return and reintegration of an initial 500 refugees and asylum seekers. The assistance to be provided is limited in scope and is to cover such areas às transportation, reception in Viet Nam and initial installation. Activities are briefly described in Annex I to this letter.

Total costs involved amount to US$ 557,000. A budget is attached to this latter as Annex II.

Given the importance of this Programme at a time when a comprehensive and durable solution to the problem of refugees, displaced persons and asylum seekers in South East Asia is being sought through the convening of an International Conference on Indo-Chinese refugees, I would ask you, on behalf of the High Commissioner, to transmit this appeal for funds to your Government with the request that it be given urgent favourable consideration. I should like to take this opportunity to express our renewed thanks for the continued support from the international community to the work of UNHCR.

Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Margaret O'Keeffe Deputy Head

Fund Raising Services