United Nations Radio

The UN refugee agency has expressed concern about the deportation from China of a young Pakistani refugee.

The deportation appears to be part of a security sweep before the 2008 Beijing Olympics. UNHCR says the unaccompanied 17-year-old was returned to his country after being taken from his home in Beijing on April 3rd. He is one of 15 refugees who have been deported this year. Spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis says the agency is reminding China that it must observe the right of refugees not to be sent back:

"The news of this and other deportations has created considerable anxiety among the refugees in Beijing who have told us they are feeling very intimidated by these activities."

UNHCR says it is ready to work with China to make acceptable arrangements to meet its requirement for heightened vigilance during the period of preparation for the Olympics. The agency is caring for 180 refugees in mainland China, mostly from southwest Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

For United Nations Radio, I'm Dianne Penn.

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