At least 312 people, mainly from Pakistan and Afghanistan, have been deported from ` August until the 3 October. A further 61 remain in detention.
The UNHCR office in Colombo commented,
“As you are aware, UNHCR continuously advocated against deportations and for the release of asylum-seeker and refugees that have been arrested and detained since June and will continue to do so. UNHCR has on numerous occasions, in different forums- both nationally and internationally, advocated for the cessation of arrests, detention and deportations.”
“UNHCR remains committed to protect asylum-seekers and refugees as per its mandate and to work closely with the government of Sri Lanka on issues pertaining to their protection and durable solutions.”Also see our earlier posts:
UNHCR 'gravely concerned' by deportation of asylum seekers (13 September 2014)
At least 60 Pakistani asylum seekers face deportation (04 September 2014)
Sri Lankan court allows deportation of Pakistani asylum seekers (02 September 2014)
Sri Lanka opens new detention centres for foreign asylum seekers (30 Aug 2014)
UNHCR accuses Sri Lanka of violating international law (13 August 2014)
Sri Lanka rejects UN Refugee Agency criticism (15 August 2014)
UNHCR “deeply concerned” at Sri Lanka’s deportation of Pakistani refugees (06 August 2014)