13 Feb 2017

UN in contact with PNG over refugee's welfare

8:31 am on 13 February 2017

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says it's seeking information from the Papua New Guinean authorities over the welfare of a refugee from Iran.

Loghman Sawari in Fiji.

Loghman Sawari in Fiji. Photo: Behrouz Boochani

The Fiji Government forcibly deported Loghman Sawari back to PNG earlier this month after he fled the country on a false passport.

In a statement, Fiji's Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said he had been advised by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees over the deportation.

However, a spokesperson for the UNHCR, Catherine Stubberfield, said the agency was very worried by Fiji's deportation of Mr Sawari.

"We had sought assurances from the Government of Fiji that he would have access to the country's national asylum procedures, which are in place and functioning, and we've very concerned for his welfare now that he has been returned - against that advice."

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs