From Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) is expected to continue flying more than 400 Uzbek refugees in southwestern Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek today, where plans are being finalized for them to be flown to a third country for resettlement. The 455 Uzbeks have been living in Kyrgyz refugee camps since fleeing their homes following an uprising and a military crackdown in the eastern Uzbek city of Andijon in May.
Carlos Zaccagnini, head of the UNHCR's office in Kyrgyzstan, refused to reveal the name of the host country when announcing the resettlement plan yesterday. He said the Uzbeks are protected by their refugee status. .... In Geneva, Louise Arbour, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern that Uzbek officials are in Kyrgyzstan to pressure authorities to hand over refugees. |