Wednesday, September 28, 2005
UN RhetIraq: U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees
Who: U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees
Source: Reuters
Quotes:
The United Nations on Tuesday urged countries not to send Iraqi asylum-seekers home, saying Iraq was still too dangerous except in parts of the north.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said it was concerned that some countries, which it did not identify, might be considering making it harder for Iraqis to claim asylum status and so avoid being sent back.
"Despite the January 2005 elections in Iraq, authorities are not yet able to protect citizens from violent attacks, including those specifically targeting civilians in southern and central Iraq," the Geneva-based agency said.
"The UNHCR encourages governments to postpone the introduction of measures which are intended to promote or induce the voluntary returns," it said.
Nevertheless, the UNHCR said it had slightly modified its stance to allow for some voluntary repatriation to three northern governorates -- Sulaimaniya, Dohuk and Arbil.
These Kurdish-controlled areas had achieved "a certain level of political stability, despite the fragile economy and security," it said.
Source: Reuters
Quotes:
The United Nations on Tuesday urged countries not to send Iraqi asylum-seekers home, saying Iraq was still too dangerous except in parts of the north.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said it was concerned that some countries, which it did not identify, might be considering making it harder for Iraqis to claim asylum status and so avoid being sent back.
"Despite the January 2005 elections in Iraq, authorities are not yet able to protect citizens from violent attacks, including those specifically targeting civilians in southern and central Iraq," the Geneva-based agency said.
"The UNHCR encourages governments to postpone the introduction of measures which are intended to promote or induce the voluntary returns," it said.
Nevertheless, the UNHCR said it had slightly modified its stance to allow for some voluntary repatriation to three northern governorates -- Sulaimaniya, Dohuk and Arbil.
These Kurdish-controlled areas had achieved "a certain level of political stability, despite the fragile economy and security," it said.
