The United Nations Refugee agency said it is “gravely concerned” by Sri Lanka resuming the arrest and deportation of asylum seekers, to countries where they may face persecution on their return.
Addressing a press briefing in Geneva on Friday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees spokesperson Babar Baloch said the agency was “gravely concerned” by the latest developments, adding,
“When UNHCR met with the government earlier this month, assurances were given for the immediate release of all asylum-seekers and refugees arrested and detained since June.”
The UN previously stated it was “deeply concerned” at Sri Lanka's deportation of asylum seekers, mainly from Pakistan and Afghanistan and accused Sri Lanka of violating international law.
A Sri Lankan court had temporarily banned their return, but that was soon lifted after Sri Lanka’s Deputy Solicitor General warned the refugees were a threat to national security and were at risk of bringing malaria into the island.
62 Pakistani and 3 Afghan asylum-seekers were arrested and detained with 40 being subsequently deported, in the 8 days since the ban was lifted.
Baloch went on to say,
“UNHCR appeals to the government to refrain from any further arrests and deportations of people of concern and to uphold its responsibilities under international law. We reiterate our call on the authorities to allow access to the detained asylum-seekers so that we can assess their international protection needs. UNHCR stands ready to work closely with the government to assist and seek durable solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers in the country.”
Also see our earlier posts:
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)
Addressing a press briefing in Geneva on Friday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees spokesperson Babar Baloch said the agency was “gravely concerned” by the latest developments, adding,
“When UNHCR met with the government earlier this month, assurances were given for the immediate release of all asylum-seekers and refugees arrested and detained since June.”
The UN previously stated it was “deeply concerned” at Sri Lanka's deportation of asylum seekers, mainly from Pakistan and Afghanistan and accused Sri Lanka of violating international law.
A Sri Lankan court had temporarily banned their return, but that was soon lifted after Sri Lanka’s Deputy Solicitor General warned the refugees were a threat to national security and were at risk of bringing malaria into the island.
62 Pakistani and 3 Afghan asylum-seekers were arrested and detained with 40 being subsequently deported, in the 8 days since the ban was lifted.
Baloch went on to say,
“UNHCR appeals to the government to refrain from any further arrests and deportations of people of concern and to uphold its responsibilities under international law. We reiterate our call on the authorities to allow access to the detained asylum-seekers so that we can assess their international protection needs. UNHCR stands ready to work closely with the government to assist and seek durable solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers in the country.”
Also see our earlier posts:
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)