Vol. 424 No. 9
29 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made representation to the South African Government, either directly or through the EC, in relation to the ongoing forced repatriation of Mozambican refugees by the Republic of South Africa and their refusal to grant refugee status to these victims of terror; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am concerned at the large number of Mozambican refugees in Southern Africa and particularly in South Africa. During their visit to South Africa in September, the Troika of EC Foreign Ministers raised the situation of the refugees with the South African Government.
The Office of Chief of Mission of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Johannesburg is at present discussing with the South African Government the possibility of the UNHCR providing protection and assistance to Mozambican and other refugees in that country.
We have raised the matter directly with the South African authorities and encouraged them to allow the UNHCR to assist the Mozambican refugees there. I will raise the matter with the South African authorities during my proposed visit there.
As a result of the Peace Agreement signed on 4 October between the Government of Mozambique and RENAMO, I hope that the ceasefire will soon be fully implemented and so allow for the repatriation of all Mozambican refugees from neighbouring countries, including South Africa.
