UNHCR representative in talks with Afghans

Updated: Wednesday, 17 May 2006

A representative from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees has told Afghan hunger strikers at St Patrick's Cathedral that Ireland has a fair asylum system and they should call off their protest.

1 of 1 St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Some protestors said to be refusing liquids
St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin
Some protestors said to be refusing liquids

A representative from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees has told Afghan hunger strikers at St Patrick's Cathedral that Ireland has a fair asylum system and they should call off their protest.

Manuel Jordao spoke to representatives of the Afghan asylum seekers who are on hunger strike at the cathedral. However, the hunger strikers say they will continue until they get answers.

Earlier today, three of the protesters, two of them students at Dundrum College, were taken to hospital. 

About 40 Afghan men have been on hunger strike in the cathedral since the weekend.

Most of them started taking water yesterday but it is understood that some have continued to refuse water.

The group are all seeking asylum in Ireland.

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