The United Nations has said that Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun, 18, who fled her family in Saudi Arabia, is a legitimate refugee and has asked Australia to resettle her, Canberra said on Wednesday.
Ms. Qunun was stopped by authorities at Bangkok’s main airport as she arrived on a flight from Kuwait at the weekend after running away from her family, who she says subjected her to physical and psychological abuse. “The UNHCR has referred Ms. Rahaf Mohammed Al-Qunun to Australia for consideration for refugee resettlement,” Australia’s Department of Home Affairs confirmed in a statement. The Department said it would “consider this referral in the usual way, as it does with all UNHCR referrals”.
Australian officials have strongly hinted that Ms. Qunun’s request will be accepted.
