EGYPT: Sudanese refugees stage protest

Since September 29, up to 1200 Sudanese refugees have been holding a sit-in near the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) regional office in Cairo, demanding protection from forced repatriation and protesting poor conditions and human-rights abuses. The refugees want resettlement in a third country and are also calling for "closed files" to be reopened. Until a few years ago, the UNHCR rejected most applicants for determination interviews, in violation of the 1969 Organisation of African Unity Convention. Thousands of cases were closed under these circumstances. Photos of the protest can be viewed at <http://www.flickr.com/photos/fahamu>.

From Green Left Weekly, October 26, 2005.

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From GLW issue 646