UNHCR to examine all facts following detention of alleged Tamil Tigers members

PETALING JAYA: The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) vows to perform a close and full examination of all facts following the detention of Tamil Tigers members bearing the commission’s cards.

UNHCR spokesperson Yante Ismail said in principle, refugee protection was for those who are in genuine need of international protection when they have been forced to flee their countries due to armed conflict, persecution and serious human rights abuses.

“Refugee protection is not extended to individuals who have committed very serious crimes, or acts contrary to the purposes of the United Nations.

“Given the seriousness of these issues, a close and full examination of all facts would need to be undertaken,” she said when contacted on Monday.

She was commenting on the arrests of three Sri Lankan men, believed to be members of the Liberation Tigers Of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) also known as Tamil Tigers. The men were also found to have been issued UNHCR cards.

“We can’t comment specifically on this case as it is our policy everywhere in the world not to publicly discuss individual cases.

“If there are allegations of crimes committed in Malaysia by refugees or asylum-seekers, UNHCR would expect that they would be subject to the full due process under law like any other person,” she said.