TNAG-2168-FCO40-3105-House-of-Commons-Foreign-Affairs-Committee-inquiry-into-Hong-1990 — Page 231

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States Administration that if they continue to oppose involuntary

repatriation, Hong Kong and the other places of first asylum would

look to the United States to provide an alternative solution. The

Committee recommended that the Government should press the United

States to accept responsibility for the accommodation of those

screened out until such time as they are content to accept their

repatriation to Vietnam (paragraph 5.6). The Government are doing

this, and have made a specific proposal.

34. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees,

Mr Stoltenberg, launched a new initiative in mid-March aimed at

tackling the root causes of the exodus from Vietnam and increasing

the number of voluntary returns. He indicated that UNHCR would be

willing to monitor the conditions of all who return to Vietnam, on a

good offices and time limited basis, provided there was consensus in

support. The Government will continue to work closely with UNHCR

for a comprehensive and durable solution. The Government's

objective is to ensure that the rate of returns to Vietnam is

if there are newer than 1000 sustained at 1,000 a month, and that any shortfall in volunteers, the difference should be mode

topped up with non-volunteers. The Government hope that there will be an international consensus opening the way to UNHCR monitoring

the conditions of all who return. The Government are also working

closely with UNHCR to limit any shortcomings there may be in the

screening process.

35. The Government agree with the Committee that assistance should

be given to those who return to Vietnam (paragraph 5.4).

Reintegration assistance is already being made available to help

returnees settle back into their communities, with volunteers

receiving slightly more generous terms. The Government are also

considering financial support for NGO activities in areas of Vietnam

from which boat people predominantly come. However, programme aid

would need to await full acceptance by the Vietnamese authorities of

their obligations towards their own people.

36. The Committee recommended that the Government should take

vigorous steps to secure a more positive and responsible approach by

CATAAU (15)

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