FED:UNHCR says it will speak to detainees on ground

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2011
FED:UNHCR says it will speak to detainees on ground

The United Nations refugee agency says it'll talk to the three detainees at Sydney's
Villawood Detention Centre if they come off the roof.

Negotiations between the three men and officials have so far been unsuccessful in coaxing
the detainees off the roof .. where they've been for six days.

The UNHCR says its role is to monitor Australia's obligations as a signatory to the
1951 Refugee Convention .. and is prepared to discuss any grievances or concerns from
asylum-seekers or refugees.

But it says officials are unable to undertake discussions with anyone engaged in or
threatening protest action .. and they can't make guarantees on the outcomes of asylum
claims.

The three men have been protesting since Wednesday .. when a riot involving 100 detainees
left nine buildings gutted by fire.

AAP RTV el/tm

KEYWORD: DETAINEES UNHCR (CANBERRA)

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