UNHCR calls for moratorium on returns of Haitians

Briefing notes

UNHCR calls for moratorium on returns of Haitians

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

15 January 2010

UNHCR welcomes the decision by the Governments of the Dominican Republic, United States and Canada to temporarily halt returns of Haitians following the Caribbean nation's devastating earthquake on Tuesday. UNHCR would like to encourage other states to follow this positive example.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, has offered UNHCR's support to the relief effort. UNHCR has been requested to participate in the protection cluster led by OHCHR in Haiti.