[Mb-civic] CBC News - HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH CALLS ON KYRGYZSTAN TO PROTECT UZBEK REFUGEES

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HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH CALLS ON KYRGYZSTAN TO PROTECT UZBEK REFUGEES
WebPosted Fri May 27 18:07:35 2005

NEW YORK--- A human rights group says those Uzbeks who fled to Kyrgyzstan
following a crackdown on protesters in their homeland could be killed or
tortured if forced to return.

"Kyrgyzstan did the right thing by allowing the first wave of Uzbek
citizens to enter its territory," said Holly Cartner, Europe and
Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch, in a statement on the
group's website.

         "But it must ensure respect for the right to seek asylum. If
         people are pushed back at the border or forcibly returned to
         Uzbekistan, they could be killed or tortured."

        Human Rights Watch is seeking better protection for the
        asylum seekers.

        About 500 people fled to southern Kyrgyzstan and settled into a
        tent camp after government troops fired on protesters in the city
        of Andijan. The government says about 200 protesters and law
        enforcement workers died in the crackdown.

        Activists claim the number is closer to 750.

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