Civil groups condemns deportation of Pakistani asylum seekers

The civil society organisations condemned the deportation of over 100 Pakistani asylum seekers, mostly minority Ahmadiyyas, in breach of the international law.

According to the UN refugee agency, Sri Lankan government had deported some 108 of the total 157 asylum seekers by August 14, ignoring risks that they face in their homelands.

The deported people include at least 11 women and 8 children, 84 civil society organisations claimed quoting UNHCR figures, and added that in a few cases even families have been separated.

 “These deportations are in breach of customary international law which requires all countries to abide by the principle of ‘non-refoulement’ (no forced returns) to countries where people face imminent risks,” civil society organisations said in a statement issued on Friday.

The statement further claimed that deportations are going on unabated despite a Sri Lankan court ruling last week, ordering authorities to stop deporting asylum seekers registered with UNHCR till the end of August. - The Hindu