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UN protests against deportation

20 Jun 2012 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) said that it would protest if Sri Lanka deported registered asylum seekers and refugees living within its territory.

UNHCR External Relations Associate Sulakshani Perera stated that the UNHCR had been receiving reports that refugees and asylum seekers, a majority of the 243 registered refugees and asylum seekers in the country, were receiving letters from the Department of Immigration and Emigration asking them to leave the country within 14 days or face deportation proceedings.

She said that the letters cited “over stay of visas” as the reason for deportation.

The deportation of refugees and asylum seekers would be contrary to customary international law of non-refoulment which prohibits countries from sending refugees back to places where their life or freedom would be threatened, she said.

The official also said that it would be “a breach of the UNHCR’s country agreement with the government- under which we carry out international protection and humanitarian assistance programmes in Sri Lanka- and specifically the agreement with the Ministry of External Affairs which details the terms of reference under which the UNHCR issues certificates to asylum seekers and refugees”.

The Commission said it was making the necessary interventions with the relevant government authorities to withdraw the notices and prevent the deportation of these asylum seekers and refugees.

The Immigration and Emigration Controller, Chulanada Perera refused to comment on the issue citing that discussions were being conducted; the Ministry of External Affairs could not be reached to verify the official stand of the government on the issue. (Nabeela Hussain)

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UN protests against deportation

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