UNHCR urges humanitarian solution for detained North Koreans

Briefing Notes, 24 February 2012

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards to whom quoted text may be attributed at the press briefing, on 24 February 2012, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, is closely following the situation of a group of around 25 North Koreans who were arrested in China in February.

UNHCR has been in communication with the Chinese authorities on this group and has called on the Chinese government to uphold the non-refoulement principle.

UNHCR is encouraging all parties concerned to find a viable humanitarian solution in the best interests of these individuals and to ensure their safety.

UNHCR reaffirms its commitment to continue to work with all parties on this issue.

For further information on this topic, please contact:

  • In Geneva: Adrian Edwards on mobile +41 79 5579120
  • Andrej Mahecic on mobile +41 79 2007617
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UNHCR Tents Reaching Earthquake Survivors in China

The UN refugee agency has provided 11,000 urgently needed tents to China to help with emergency shelter for some of the 5 million people left homeless after the devastating earthquake that struck Sichuan province on May 12, 2008.

The tents, which were manufactured in China for UNHCR, have been transported to the quake zone. The first 2,000 tents were airlifted to the zone and arrived in Chengdu on May 25 and the remaining 9,000 arrived not long after. These tents can provide shelter for 55,000 people. They have been distributed in the cities of Aba, Deyang and Guangyuan, close to the epicentre of the quake.

Posted on 4 June 2008

UNHCR Tents Reaching Earthquake Survivors in China

UNHCR donates tents for China's earthquake victimsPlay video

UNHCR donates tents for China's earthquake victims

The May 12 earthquake in China's Sichuan province caused widespread destruction and death. UNHCR is responding by donating thousands of tents to help give displaced families some shelter while they rebuild their homes.