UNHCR condemns shooting of Somali asylum-seekers in Mozambique

GENEVA - The UN refugee agency is gravely concerned over the recent shooting of four Somali asylum-seekers by the police in Mozambique.

The fatal incident, which took place on April 29, was confirmed to UNHCR by its government counterpart in Mozambique, the National Institute for Refugee Assistance (INAR). The shooting reportedly occurred in the Cabo Delgado province, in a location called Namoto.

UNHCR is at present trying to obtain details about the circumstances surrounding these killings, from the Mozambican authorities in the capital, Maputo. The authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

UNHCR urges the Government of Mozambique to respect the human rights of asylum-seekers and to take appropriate action to ensure that those responsible will be held accountable.

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