December 03, 2003

KATHMANDU:  The Bhutanese refugees returning home should be cautious after their repatriation, a published report quoted Jean Mary Phukuri, regional director of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), as saying Wednesday.

“They should be cautious as the situation in Bhutan is still hostile for them,” the Himalayan Times quoted Phukuri, as saying in Damak, Jhapa on Tuesday.

“It is a great thing to get a chance to return despite the adverse condition,” he said. “The UNHCR will continue to monitor the situation of the repatriated refugees, along with required support.”

Phukuri was speaking at a meet with the representatives of the organisations working for Bhutanese refugees in Damak.

Phukuri reached Jhapa on Tuesday leading a three-member UNHCR team. Nepal representative for UNHCR Abraham Abraham and UNHCR’s senior external relations officer Milton Morrino are the two members of the team.