The current agreement between Britain and Vietnam authorizes the forcible return of 54.000 boat people currently being held in detention camps in Hong Kong. As we witness the expansion of democracy throughout the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. we must not forget that oppression continues in Vietnam. On November 9. 1991. the first 59 Vietnamese refugees were returned kicking and screaming to Vietnam in anticipation of brutal treatment upon their return. We must not allow any more refugees to be subjected to the same treatment and deprived of those basic human rights which the United States has so vehemently defended. In forcibly returning the boat people to Vietnam. the British authorities are subjecting these people to reprisal from an oppressive regime and probable inhuman treatment. They will be subject to political reeducation. widespread discrimination. and forced labor.
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refugees