MNP calls on government to expedite extradition of Maldivians in Syrian refugee camps

Maldives National Party (MNP), on Tuesday, has called on the government to expedite efforts to extradite Maldivians in Syrian refugee camps that wish to return home.

In a statement released on Tuesday, MNP expressed concern over extended delays in the extradition Maldivians at Syrian refugee camps, expressing solidarity with their families over their grievances. They party called on the government to provide a quick solution for their issues.

During a press conference held on September 19, 2019 regarding Maldivians stranded in war-torn Syria – President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said that a special facility for such persons will be established within the next two months, following which they will be extradited.

“We note that the government has not taken any action to implement the President’s remarks on that day. Families of those stranded in Syrian refugee camps report to this party that they have not gotten adequate responses to pleas requesting aid,” the statement read.

MNP further stated that the issue should have been solved today as the government had declared it a national issue in 2019, and began efforts to address it.

A government official has previously told Sun that the biggest obstruction to extraditing Maldivians stranded in Syria upon request is the fact that they lack official documentation. Underscoring that different Maldivians were based at different camps, under the control of different organizations – the official said that demands are made with respect to their release from the camps.