U N wants access to Iranians extradited by Syria

GENEVA, Dec 22 (Reuters) The United Nations is seeking access to four Iranians who were quietly repatriated from Syria, despite having been recognised as refugees, a spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said today.

Ron Redmond said the UNHCR was ''extremely worried'' about the four Ahwazis -- Iranians of Arab descent -- who Syria deported to Iran despite promising not to, and despite resettlement places already having been secured abroad for them.

The UNHCR learned this week from contacts of the four that they had been sent to Iran in May, and one told a relative that he was ''about to be executed,'' Redmond said. He appealed to Iranian authorities ''to ensure the well-being of the four and allow for a fair trial and the right to due process.'' Seven Ahwazis were arrested by Syria earlier this year, and three were released from detention. The UNHCR repeatedly asked for access to the four remaining in custody without success, but was given ''various verbal assurances'' from Syria that they were well and would not be deported to Iran, Redmond said.

Human rights groups have reported deteriorating conditions in the Khuzestan province of Iran, home to nearly 2 million Iranians of Arab descent, raising concerns for those returned to the country.

Redmond said the four extradited from Syria were still eligible for relocation assistance.

''Extradition does not mean that a refugee or asylum seeker loses his or her international protection status,'' he said. ''UNHCR also appeals for access to the four refugees and we are prepared to find alternative solutions for them.'' Reuters SP DB1834