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Swiss vote could turn genuine refugees away, warns UNHCR
5 Nov 2002 The UN refugee agency has raised serious concerns that an initiative to change Switzerland's asylum law, if voted into law on November 24, could result in a highly restrictive asylum system that rejects genuine refugees. -
Solution found for first group of Sangatte residents
18 Oct 2002 Five Afghans in the controversial French centre have gone home to Afghanistan, becoming the first beneficiaries of the recent voluntary repatriation agreement between UNHCR and the French and Afghan governments. -
UNHCR clarifies role in Sangatte operation
27 Sep 2002 The UN refugee agency will provide information, one-to-one interviews and counselling to the inhabitants of the controversial refugee centre in France, advising them on their best realistic options. In a related development, the agency is working on two separate tripartite agreements with the governments of France and the United Kingdom on the voluntary repatriation of Afghans. -
UNHCR details role in Sangatte closure, urges assistance for all Afghans keen to repatriate
16 Jul 2002 The UN refugee agency provides details on its involvement leading up to the Sangatte centre's closure while simultaneously announcing its revised position on Afghan asylum-seekers.