News
Court bans protest around Boosa detention camp
30 Sep, 2017
An order has been issued by a court in Galle against the holding of any protests around the Boosa detention camp.
The order was issued following threats by some groups to stage a protest against the Rohingya refugees given protection at the camp.
On Tuesday, a group protested outside a 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 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) had said it was alarmed and?concerned by the incident at the refugee shelter housing mostly women and?children.
The refugees were eventually evacuated?to safety by the authorities to whom UNHCR is grateful for support and protection extended to refugees.
UNHCR was 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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