News

CCD ordered to investigate incident involving Rohingya refugees

28 Sep, 2017

The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has been ordered to investigate the?incident in Mount Lavinia involving Rohingya refugees.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) had said yesterday it was alarmed and?concerned by the incident at a refugee shelter housing mostly women and?children.

On Tuesday, a group protested outside the shelter housing 31 refugees ? most of?them women and children ? who had been rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy from a?boat in Sri Lankan waters in April this year.

The refugees were eventually evacuated?to safety by the authorities to whom UNHCR is grateful for support and protection extended to refugees.

UNHCR is equally concerned for the safety and security of its partner?s staff?present during the incident who were providing humanitarian assistance to the?refugees.

UNHCR emphasizes that refugees are victims of violence and persecution who?need international protection and assistance. UNHCR urges the public and all those?concerned with refugees to continue extending protection and to show empathy for civilians fleeing persecution and violence.

In Sri Lanka, the presence of refugees and asylum-seekers is authorized by the?Government. In consultation with the authorities, UNHCR provides assistance to?refugees until longer-term solutions can be found.?(Colombo Gazette)

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