Annan warns on refugee allegations

The United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, says any UN staff found guilty of extorting money from African refugees should face harsh penalties.

He spoke as the world body investigated the activities of at least four of its staff based in Kenya who are alleged to have demanded bribes from refugees in return for re-settling them in Europe or North America.

Mr Annan said he was determined to get to the bottom of the allegations, and deal with those responsible -- it was abominable that refugees, who were already suffering, should be exploited in this manner.

The BBC United Nations correspondent says it is suspected that organised criminals in Kenya may be involved. He says the investigation has proved so difficult and dangerous that the UN has had to transfer three of its employees out of the country because they had received death threats.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service