GENEVA, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The UN Refugee Agency UNHCR on Friday expressed concern for the situation of more than 1,000 refugees and asylum seekers who fled their homes in the devastating Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka.
UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch told a press briefing here Friday that almost three weeks on from the attacks, 1,060 refugees and asylum seekers, including women and children, are still staying in local mosques, police stations and community centers.
Though the authorities and local groups have been supportive and helpful, the spokesperson said. These sites are not meant to accommodate large numbers of people over time, and families with small children are living without proper shelter, sanitation and access to health care.
"We are actively assisting the displaced while discussions are ongoing with the authorities to identify alternative accommodation until refugees are able to return to their residences," the spokesperson said.
A string of deadly bombings rocked churches and hotels across the country on April 21, Easter Sunday, killing nearly 300 people and injuring nearly 500.
