From UN fears for Haiti refugee plight
As the violence in Haiti shows no sign of abating and increasing numbers try to flee, the UN is calling on neighbouring countries to take in refugees until security is restored.
UNHCR spokesman Ron Redmond told the BBC World Service's Newshour programme that they were particularly concerned about the safety of people picked up at sea and forced to return.
"Not only are we asking that refugees be received by regional states, we're also recommending a suspension on any forced returns to Haiti, including those who have been rejected for asylum or picked up at sea," Mr Redmond said.
Cuba, Jamaica and Canada have said they will not send people back, but President George W Bush has warned Haitians they will be sent home if they try to flee to the US.
The US Coast Guard said it had intercepted some 500 people in boats fleeing Haiti in the past few days and sent them back.
As the violence in Haiti shows no sign of abating and increasing numbers try to flee, the UN is calling on neighbouring countries to take in refugees until security is restored.
UNHCR spokesman Ron Redmond told the BBC World Service's Newshour programme that they were particularly concerned about the safety of people picked up at sea and forced to return.
"Not only are we asking that refugees be received by regional states, we're also recommending a suspension on any forced returns to Haiti, including those who have been rejected for asylum or picked up at sea," Mr Redmond said.
Cuba, Jamaica and Canada have said they will not send people back, but President George W Bush has warned Haitians they will be sent home if they try to flee to the US.
The US Coast Guard said it had intercepted some 500 people in boats fleeing Haiti in the past few days and sent them back.
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