RIGA, Aug 25 (LETA) - Every person should have the rights to seek asylum, especially if there are threats to the person's health and life, said a representative of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) bureau.

The UNHCR delegation is on a visit in Latvia until August 26.

UNHCR pointed out that Latvia is urged to meet all its international obligations.

UNHCR said that the UN bureau work is aimed at humanitarian aspects. "We are very concerned about the reports received about people who have been stuck by the Belarus border," the bureau's representative said.

The bureau is still worried that people who need protection are not allowed to seek asylum in regions to which the state of emergency refers in Latvia. "We are aware that this situation comes with considerable challenges for Latvia, but there are also negative consequences for refugees and asylum seekers, especially if they cannot access protection," the UNHCR representatives said.

UNHCR has called on all countries, including Latvia, to look further than their political interests, assess the necessity for asylum, using fair and efficient procedures, expand protection for everybody in need. "This matter may not be politically motivated," the bureau said.

The UNHCR bureau said that assessment the situation on Latvia's eastern border will be available after all information is analyzed as the visit still continues.

As reported, taking into consideration the steeply increasing numbers of illegal immigrants trying to cross into Latvia from Belarus, the government has declared a state of emergency that will run from August 11 until November 10 in the following municipalities: Ludza Region, Kraslava Region, Augsdaugava Region, and the City of Daugavpils.

Since August 10, a total of 544 persons have been stopped from crossing from Belarus into Latvia.