Bahamas awaits UN request regarding the repatriation of Haitians

The Bahamas said it has received no direct request from the United Nations to suspend the repatriation of Haitians to their country.



Last week, the UN appealed to governments to suspend all involuntary returns to Haiti, given the precarious conditions that continue to persist in the country 18 months after the devastating January 2010 earthquake.



Adrian Edwards, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for refugees says Haiti cannot yet ensure adequate protection or care especially for some vulnerable groups in case of return.



The Bahamian government says if a request is made, it will make a decision in the best interest of the Bahamas and its citizens.



An estimated 680 thousand people are still displaced within Haiti, living in over 1 thousand tented camps in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other earthquake-affected areas.



An unknown number remains outside the country.