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Chinese refugees speak for first time
WebPosted Wed Jun 21 00:32:44 2000

WHITE ROCK, B.C. - Three of the migrants who came to Canada on leaky, rusting boats are speaking publicly for the first time, after they succeeded in gaining refugee status.

The three women were among almost 600 people who arrived on the B.C. coast last summer on four creaky ships. Almost all of the migrants were denied refugee status and are being sent back to China.

Fifteen people have been declared refugees and can stay in Canada.

In an interview with CBC News the three women, sitting with an interpreter, asked that their faces be shielded because they fear reprisals from the smugglers who brought them here.

"I thought Canada should be a beautiful place. I am a Canadian. I am very happy," said one woman.

When asked why they left China, all three spoke of the desperate poverty of Fujian province.

"I heard Canada is a good country, democratic country. I thought about a better life. In China, part of low class, and I wanted a good life in the future. That's the way, alternative for me."

One woman talks to a CBC reporter through an interpreter

"I also brought my children with me. I don't care about myself, I care about my children. I want them to have a good life in the future," said another.

Escaping poverty though, no matter how dire, is still not enough to get refugee status in Canada. But the three women interviewed were subjected to China's one child policy, which was a main reason they're allowed to stay.

One woman told the refugee board how she was forced to have an abortion. Eight months pregnant, she was given an injection and saw the baby die. She was eventually sterilized against her will.

A refugee board member concluded: "I find the past persecution of this claimant was so atrocious and appalling because of what was done to her . . . it would be unreasonable to expect the claimant to return to China."

The case is proof, says her lawyer, that every potential refugee must have a fair hearing. "When these people come to our shores, let's listen to their stories, and give them an opportunity to convince us they can make a contribution," said Doug Cannon.

The refugees say they had no idea the smuggling ships were so dangerous and no idea they would be detained in Canada for months. But they say life in Fujian province is so harsh, they doubt there's anything the Chinese or Canadian governments can do to dissuade others from embarking on the same desperate journey.


Ian Hanomansing reports for CBC TV.


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