UNHCR statement on new asylum agreement between Australia and Papua New Guinea

UNHCR has received a number of media queries today about the announcement by Australia and Papua New Guinea of a new Regional Resettlement Arrangement that expands on the existing bilateral transfer arrangement between the two countries.

UNHCR has not been involved in this agreement, and we are at present seeking further detail from the governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea of its content.

UNHCR advocates on a worldwide basis for maintaining a robust international asylum system in which those fleeing danger or persecution have access to safe haven, to proper asylum procedures, and ultimately to help with finding solutions to their plights. With any new asylum policy or agreement, it is important that these long-established norms and international protection principles are upheld.

Press Contacts

Adrian Edwards, Spokesman +41 79 557 9120 [email protected]