Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 1086 Thu. June 21, 2007  
   
International


Respect right of asylum Pope urges govts


Pope Benedict XVI marked World Refugee Day yesterday by calling on governments to respect the rights of asylum seekers and refugees and to protect those fleeing for their lives.

At the end of his weekly audience at the Vatican, the pontiff invoked the annual event so that "public opinion does not forget those who are forced to flee their home countries following real threats to their lives".

He wished that "asylum and the recognition of their (refugees') rights be guaranteed" and invited "governments to offer their protection to those who find themselves in these difficult situations".