§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the situation of Rwandan refugees in Zaire. [16169]
§ Mr. HanleyWe are in regular contact with the Zairean and Rwandan Governments and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees about the situation of the Rwandan refugees. The assessment of UN agencies is that levels of food and other basic requirements for the refugees remain sufficient for the time being. Agencies have also made provision for the large-scale voluntary return of the refugees to Rwanda, which is important for the long-term stability of the Great Lakes region.
§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made and what discussions he has held with(a) the Zairean Government and (b) the UNHCR about the situation in refugee camps on the border between Rwanda and Zaire. [16170]
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§ Mr. HanleyOur ambassador in Kinshasa has discussed the situation in the refugee camps with Zairean Ministers, reminding them of our opposition to the forcible repatriation of refugees. The ambassador visited the camps on 16 February, and discussed the situation with the local administration and UNHCR officials. Our mission to the UN in Geneva is also in regular contact with UNHCR headquarters staff about this.