Fear of Sri Lankan security forces still drives Tamils into exile, advocates say

[webfact]

Fear of Sri Lankan security forces still drives Tamils into exile, advocates say
Jason Koutsoukis
SOUTH ASIA CORRESPONDENT AT THE AGE AND THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

Chennai: The Sri Lankan civil war which claimed more than 100,000 lives over a quarter of a century officially ended in 2009. However, Tamil refugee advocates in India claim that ongoing reprisals by Sri Lankan security forces against Tamil activists is prompting many to continue to seek asylum in countries such as India and Australia.

The closest safe haven to Sri Lanka is the south-east Indian state of Tamil Nadu where about 67,000 Sri Lankan Tamil registered refugees are housed in 110 refugee camps spread across 25 districts, with as many as 17,000 children born to Tamil refugees living in Tamil Nadu considered stateless.

It is estimated that another 35,000 Tamil refugees are living in Tamil Nadu illegally in areas outside the camps which are strictly monitored by Indian security forces.

Full story: http://www.theage.com.au/world/fear-of-sri-lankan-security-forces-still-drives-tamils-into-exile-advocates-say-20140703-zsv66.html


-- The Age 2014-07-03

[simple1]

A timely article in that the Australian government is being accused of refoulement of Sri Lankans, thereby breaching the UN Convention for Refugees.

The Oz government is refusing to acknowledge the alledged interception of boats carrying 150+ Sri Lankan Tamils from camps in India and handing them over to Sri Lanka naval vessel/s. The PM is saying no problem as Sri Lanka is a "society at peace" when it is constantly reported that Tamils refugees, upon forcable return, are subject to torture and other abuse by Sri Lanka security forces. Tamils interiewed in India were unaware of the Oz government "PNG Solution"

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-praises-sri-lankas-human-rights-progress-amid-speculation-tamil-asylum-seekers-were-handed-over-to-countrys-navy-20140703-3b9qf.htm

Edited July 3, 2014 by simple1

[Mudcrab]

A timely article in that the Australian government is being accused of refoulement of Sri Lankans, thereby breaching the UN Convention for Refugees.

The Oz government is refusing to acknowledge the alledged interception of boats carrying 150+ Sri Lankan Tamils from camps in India and handing them over to Sri Lanka naval vessel/s. The PM is saying no problem as Sri Lanka is a "society at peace" when it is constantly reported that Tamils refugees, upon forcable return, are subject to torture and other abuse by Sri Lanka security forces. Tamils interiewed in India were unaware of the Oz government "PNG Solution"

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-praises-sri-lankas-human-rights-progress-amid-speculation-tamil-asylum-seekers-were-handed-over-to-countrys-navy-20140703-3b9qf.htm

If they went from Sri Lanka to India then they have reached a place of refuge as per the Convention.

Travelling to Australia since then makes them illegal immigrants. End of story.

[simple1]

A timely article in that the Australian government is being accused of refoulement of Sri Lankans, thereby breaching the UN Convention for Refugees.

The Oz government is refusing to acknowledge the alledged interception of boats carrying 150+ Sri Lankan Tamils from camps in India and handing them over to Sri Lanka naval vessel/s. The PM is saying no problem as Sri Lanka is a "society at peace" when it is constantly reported that Tamils refugees, upon forcable return, are subject to torture and other abuse by Sri Lanka security forces. Tamils interiewed in India were unaware of the Oz government "PNG Solution"

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-praises-sri-lankas-human-rights-progress-amid-speculation-tamil-asylum-seekers-were-handed-over-to-countrys-navy-20140703-3b9qf.htm

If they went from Sri Lanka to India then they have reached a place of refuge as per the Convention. Travelling to Australia since then makes them illegal immigrants. End of story.

Yep India is a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention. Oz government return of the Tamils to Sri Lanka, instead of India, I repeat, is refoulement in contradiction to the Convention.

[martinatkins]

A timely article in that the Australian government is being accused of refoulement of Sri Lankans, thereby breaching the UN Convention for Refugees.

The Oz government is refusing to acknowledge the alledged interception of boats carrying 150+ Sri Lankan Tamils from camps in India and handing them over to Sri Lanka naval vessel/s. The PM is saying no problem as Sri Lanka is a "society at peace" when it is constantly reported that Tamils refugees, upon forcable return, are subject to torture and other abuse by Sri Lanka security forces. Tamils interiewed in India were unaware of the Oz government "PNG Solution"

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-praises-sri-lankas-human-rights-progress-amid-speculation-tamil-asylum-seekers-were-handed-over-to-countrys-navy-20140703-3b9qf.htm

If they went from Sri Lanka to India then they have reached a place of refuge as per the Convention. Travelling to Australia since then makes them illegal immigrants. End of story.

Yep India is a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention. Oz government return of the Tamils to Sri Lanka, instead of India, I repeat, is refoulement in contradiction to the Convention.

The ship sailed from India to Sri lanka and picked up Tamils who then sailed on toward Australia. They were free in Sri lanka too move around at will but chose to leave in the hope they could claim refugee status in Australia. They where not refugees but a group who hoped to set up a terrorist cell in Australia so as to plot against the Sri lankan government. If they where sent back then good riddance to them. The Tamil Tigers are a murderous bunch of thugs.

[simple1]

A timely article in that the Australian government is being accused of refoulement of Sri Lankans, thereby breaching the UN Convention for Refugees.

The Oz government is refusing to acknowledge the alledged interception of boats carrying 150+ Sri Lankan Tamils from camps in India and handing them over to Sri Lanka naval vessel/s. The PM is saying no problem as Sri Lanka is a "society at peace" when it is constantly reported that Tamils refugees, upon forcable return, are subject to torture and other abuse by Sri Lanka security forces. Tamils interiewed in India were unaware of the Oz government "PNG Solution"

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-praises-sri-lankas-human-rights-progress-amid-speculation-tamil-asylum-seekers-were-handed-over-to-countrys-navy-20140703-3b9qf.htm

If they went from Sri Lanka to India then they have reached a place of refuge as per the Convention. Travelling to Australia since then makes them illegal immigrants. End of story.

Yep India is a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention. Oz government return of the Tamils to Sri Lanka, instead of India, I repeat, is refoulement in contradiction to the Convention.

The ship sailed from India to Sri lanka and picked up Tamils who then sailed on toward Australia. They were free in Sri lanka too move around at will but chose to leave in the hope they could claim refugee status in Australia. They where not refugees but a group who hoped to set up a terrorist cell in Australia so as to plot against the Sri lankan government. If they where sent back then good riddance to them. The Tamil Tigers are a murderous bunch of thugs.

Given there is such secrecy regards the two boats & occupants that have been intercepted how do you know this info, I suggest you are indulging in fantasy. Agree the LTTE were ruthless.

I'm currently in Oz and have not seen one report that supports your allegations; plus such allegations would be headline news (not one word) - please provide media link/s.

Edited July 4, 2014 by simple1