Canadian parliamentarian expresses concern over human rights of 492 Tamil asylum-seekers
Full Text of Press Release
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
NDP MP VISITS TAMIL ASYLUM-SEEKERS IN B.C.
Peter Julian concerned over human rights, access to services, support and translators
BURNABY – New Democrat MP Peter Julian (Burnaby-New Westminster) is concerned about the human rights situation of the recent 492 Tamil asylum-seekers currently detained in British Columbia.
“I had an opportunity to meet with the refugees in two of the three detention centres and it is clear that they have inadequate access to support and services, such as translators,” said Julian. “Canadians of Tamil origin have contributed greatly to Canada, and the Tamil community in Canada has offered to provide a full range of professional support services free of charge to the refugees. Why hasn't the government allowed them to provide this support?” asked Julian.
Since the arrival of the Tamil refugees earlier this month, Julian has met with the leadership of the Canadian Tamil Congress and lawyers from the Immigration and Refugee Board. He has also participated in meetings (including a town hall) with the community and activists.
“During my visit to the detention centre, I learned that the refugees have not yet had access to religious services or spiritual guidance. Even convicted prisoners have an opportunity to meet with spiritual leaders – why haven't these Tamils been provided that right? I am growing more and more concerned about their treatment, as are many Canadians.”
Rathika Sitsabaiesan, the NDP’s candidate for Scarborough-Rouge River, stressed that the Conservative government must treat asylum-seekers as asylum-seekers and not criminals.
“Canada has an obligation to treat these Tamils with compassion and fairness,” said Sitsabaiesan. “We must uphold their human rights and provide safe, humanitarian conditions. We must also place the women and children into the supportive Tamil-Canadian community to provide them with security and a safe environment, instead of waiting and languishing in the detention centres.”
5 Comments
Let Me Thank the New Democrat MP, Hon Mr. Peter Julian for his humanitarian call to his government. It is high time for the West to revisit their views and understanding on the Tamil Peoples Issue in Srilanka.
Successive Srilankan governments have been cleverly manipulating the West with its false propaganda to hide its genocide activities on The Tamil community since 1956. More virulantly in the last 25-27 years following their holocoust spell on Tamils. The Island wide Pogrom was staged in July 1983.
Since 2006 April, They staged a 'brutal Racial war' under the pretext of 'fighting the war on terror'. The "mind frame of the West" was suitable and they were gullible enough to believe the srilankan's false propaganda. Since 9/11 created a 'paranoia in the West' and Srilanka had all the chances for creating 'an illusion'; Unfortunatley, the West Joined to fight the 'war on terror' set out by the Srilankan state. Tamils became the unfortunate victims.
Between 2006-May 2009 over a million displaced from their homes and were IDP'S, more than 60,000 death and maimed. Between Jan-May 2009 UN accounts a modest 7000 deaths, but Reident UN official Gorden wiess reported 40,000 deaths. A UK based Jounalist who flew with Ban-Ki Moon in June 2009 in the Srilankan Air force helicopter reported the devastation and said she was able to see the multiple graves into which the Army was bulldosing and buring the bodies. She estimated over 30,000. By the end of the war there were 300,000 placed behind barbed wire internment camps. Still the Srilankan government care less for the Tamils. Many were removed from the main camps in Vanni to their home towns and villages and left to fend for themselves.
Security forces continue with their harassments. Tamil peoples belongings are plundered, their cattles, farming equipments, vehicles are all being stolen and moved to south. 'White-van' kidnapping,extra judicial killings, ransome demands,rape are continuing unabetedly. No law and order, open prison status for Tamils. This is the situation the Tamils are living in Srilanka today. To escape these miseries people risk their lives and are searching for a kind understanding nation to take them as refugees. Tamils by nature are meaky, timid and soft natured people. Youths were forced to take up arms in the late 70's due to continuous misery thrusted on them and their community. Arms were to defend the state terrorism. We Tamils hope that we would get Justice from UN and the international community soon.
But Canadian Prime Minister, Immigration Minister and Internal Affairs Minister All are concerned about that there can be Terrorists among the illegal immigrants.
Unfortunately Transcurrent couldn't find the link to those stories only found a link to a virtually unknown NDP MP.
I dont believe your comments because I have relatives in the North and east.
Can you provide the number of LTTE deaths? If you cannot provide it, it is hard to trust your comment!
Sri Lankan returnees tortured: Amnesty
Three asylum seekers forcibly removed to Sri Lanka in 2009 have been tortured and jailed after they tried to return to Australia, Amnesty International says.
The human rights group said it held grave fears for the men, saying they are now at risk of further torture and abuse from guards and other prisoners.
It is understood the claims raised by Amnesty International are being investigated by the Australian High Commission in Colombo
http://www.sheppnews.com.au/aapArticle.aspx?aapID=10941
... only the NDP would come up with a transparent, farcical and totally opportunistic attempt to garner support in this way