The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), in a statement released today said it was ‘alarmed and concerned’ by the incident yesterday in which a mob led by monks attacked a safe house in which Rohingya refugees were being housed.
‘The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is alarmed and concerned by the incident at a refugee shelter housing mostly women and children at the outskirts of Colombo,’ the UNHCR said in its statement.
‘On Tuesday, a group protested outside the shelter housing 31 refugees – most of them women and children – who had been rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy from a boat in Sri Lankan waters in April this year.’
‘The refugees were eventually evacuated to safety by the authorities to whom the UNHCR is grateful for support and protection extended to refugees.’
‘UNHCR is equally concerned for the safety and security of our 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,’ the UNHCR said in its statement.
