The UN High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR) has urged the Cameroonian authorities not to send Nigerian
refugees back to the Boko Haram violence they fled from.
Nigerian refugees and
asylum-seekers who fled Boko Haram violence have been “forced” to return to the
country, despite previous warnings against such.
At least 385 Nigerians refugees
and asylum-seekers had been “forcibly returned” from Cameroon since the
beginning of 2018, the majority of them in March, including 278 in April.
In total, 87,600 Nigerian
refugees have been registered by the UN agency in the country.
“We appeal once again to the
authorities in Cameroon to refrain from further forced returns and to ensure
protection to those fleeing insecurity and persecution in Nigeria,” UNHCR said
on Saturday.
“This is in accordance with
Cameroon’s national and international obligations.
“The forced returns are in
violation of the principle of no forced returns or non-refoulement.
“They are also a significant
setback to progress previously achieved by Cameroon in granting asylum to
Nigerian civilians fleeing Boko Haram violence.”
The agency also said it recognised
legitimate national security concerns of states affected by the Boko Haram
crisis, adding it is important that refugee protection and national security
are not seen as being incompatible.
“Properly functioning screening,
registration and asylum systems help safeguard host country security,” it said.
UNHCR reiterated its support to
Cameroon in ensuring that all those seeking international protection have
access to efficient screening and registration procedures, as well as
appropriate reception arrangements.
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