UN concerned over Vietnamese turnback

The United Nations is concerned about the fate of a group of Vietnamese asylum seekers who may not have been fairly assessed at sea before being returned by the Australian Navy.

UN Refuge Agency spokeswoman Vivian Tan told ABC radio she is concerned the lives of 50 Vietnamese nationals could be at risk if they were not granted proper processes, and is seeking information from the Australian government.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has refused to confirm last week's turn-back, reiterating the government's policy not to speak about operational matters.