The 19 Tibetans detained near the Nepal-Tibet border on June 24, 2003 have arrived in Kathmandu on July 1 and were handed over to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) office, it is learnt. Subsequently, they were taken to the Tibetan Reception Center, where all Tibetans escaping from Tibet are cared.
Voice of America’s Tibetan service reported on July 1, 2003 that the 19 Tibetans were brought to the Tibetan Reception Center in the evening. The report said 18 Tibetans were from Kham and one from Amdo and that there was a child among them. Concerning their health situation VOA reported that other than some wounds and small problems the general condition seemed to be fine.
Given the sensitivity of the situation the concerned authorities, including the UNHCR, have declined to make any public statement on the matter.