This is a summary of what was said by the UNHCR spokesperson at today's Palais des Nations press briefing in Geneva. Further information can be found on the UNHCR websites, www.unhcr.org and www.unhcr.fr, which should also be checked for regular media updates on non-briefing days.
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.
For further information on this topic, please contact:
In Geneva: Ms. Sybella Wilkes on mobile +41 79 557 9138