TNAG-1973-FCO40-2806-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation-1989 — Page 11

Yes

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7.

There is an appeal procedure which represents something of a safeguard, but so far this procedure has not yet been used and it is not clear what resources UNHCR will have to monitor the appeals. It is likely that the appeals will take a long time to be heard and there must be doubts as to whether they can all be completed by 1 July 1997.

8.

Perhaps the most serious concern is the psychology of the people in the camps as they do not know what the future has in store for them. They have been given little information which might serve to reassure them. In the light of the agreement that repatriation should be voluntary, there must be question marks about the fate of those who have been screened out.

9. Voluntary agencies do have a role to play in Hong Kong. Their presence in the camps does help to alleviate suffering and hardship, especially among the longstayers. In addition, they could help to prepare people in the camps who are awaiting resettlement in the UK and other countries. They could also give information to those awaiting screening. We are particularly concerned that asylum seekers do not have anybody with them to provide help and support during the screening interviews, and indeed to help individuals prepare themselves before the interviews begin.

10. The UNHCR have indicated that they were monitoring the 75 people who have been returned to Vietnam. There are clearly doubts as to whether UNHCR will be able to sustain this monitoring over any period of time, particularly when more people are involved. Further planeloads are planned and at present 70 people are awaiting departure. There must be concern as to whether the assurances given by the Government of Vietnam about the safety and well-being of these people will be adhered to in the local areas where they resettle.

11. It is essential that there are improved relationships between the West and Vietnam. We recognise that it is only by an improvement in the human rights situation in Vietnam that the flow of refugees will cease and a significant aid programme may contribute to this end.

12.

To sum up, our concerns are:

a) how well the screening is being monitored;

b) how well the return to Vietnam is being monitored;

c) conditions in the camps;

d) normalisation of relationships with Vietnam;

e) the inadequacy of preparation of those in the camps about

to move to the UK;

f) that persons being screened are not accompanied by anyone.

to give them advice and support.

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