UNHCR: some 60 Iraqi refugees deported from Europe

BAGHDAD — The U.N. says nearly 60 Iraqi refugees deported from Britain and other European countries have arrived in Baghdad despite concerns the situation is still too dangerous for their return.

UNHCR spokeswoman Maha Sidky said Thursday a plane carrying 28 refugees from Sweden and 30 from Britain, Denmark and the Netherlands landed in Baghdad the night before, and the passengers have been taken to an airport screening center.

The U.N. refugee agency estimates around 2 million Iraqis live abroad — the majority of whom fled violence following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.

Security has improved in Iraq. But the UNHCR had urged governments not to force the Iraqis to return, citing continued attacks and human rights violations in Baghdad and surrounding areas.

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