UK: Afghan Sikhs in airless container 'for 18 hours'
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 19 August 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, UK: Afghan Sikhs in airless container 'for 18 hours', 19 August 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54003f2717.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 19, 2014
Afghanistan's 3,000-member Sikh community has endured a long history of religious discrimination and harassment.
The translator of Sikh families found in a shipping container in Britain says they were trapped in darkness without fresh air for 18 hours.
The group of Afghan Sikhs arrived at Tilbury Docks, Essex, a port east of London, on August 16 on a ship from Belgium.
One man was found dead and the other 34 survivors, including 13 children, suffered dehydration and hypothermia.
Kamaljit Singh Mataharu, a translator used by police, told ITV News television that there were 15 families inside, all from Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, who had made it to Europe in a truck.
He said the group was fleeing persecution in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan's 3,000-member Sikh community has endured a long history of religious discrimination and harassment.
The Home Office said all 34 survivors were in the process of claiming asylum in Britain.
Based on reporting by AFP and theguardian.com
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
