The United Nations University (UNU) has angered a Hong Kong student by banning those from Sars-affected areas from attending a seminar in Seoul in early July.
Sing Arevalo, 17, a student at Sha Tin College, was shocked to receive an e-mail from Yoo Jin, who represents the Korean National Commission for Unesco (KNCU), informing her that her application had been turned down. 'The UNU's policy is not to invite to seminars, workshops and training programmes any persons from areas where local infections with Sars have occurred,' she was told.
The UNU, which has its headquarters in Tokyo, this week confirmed places for 50 students to attend the five-day seminar Community Building in Northeast Asia: Challenge and Opportunity.
'I am extremely disappointed to hear this decision and believe that it is unfair and biased,' said Ms Arevalo. 'Given that Hong Kong no longer has a WHO travel advisory against it, and that the UNU should be promoting co-operation and integration, I am surprised that they have reached this decision.'
She said other international youth events were accepting Hong Kong students.
Lee Ji-hyang of KNCU said: 'If we have students from China or Hong Kong they could infect our students and other Koreans. We are following the policy of the UNU.' But Ms Arevalo said: 'I have not heard of a South Korean government policy that prevents Hong Kong citizens from attending events in Korea.'