The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Monday voiced concern after Australia handed over 41 asylum-seekers to Sri Lanka after intercepting them at sea. UNHCR said in a statement that it is also concerned about the fate of another 153 asylum-seekers of Sri Lankan origin who are now subject to an Australia high court injunction on their return. The U.N. agency said that it understands that "enhanced screening procedures" were used as a basis for determining whether the 41 individuals involved raised claims for protection which required further consideration. "Without further information UNHCR is not in a position, at this time, to confirm whether they were in accordance with international law," the agency said. "UNHCR has previously made known its concerns to Australia about its enhanced screening procedures and their non-compliance with international law."
