For Immediate Release
August 16, 2010
The MV Sun Sea arrived in British Columbia on August 13, 2010, carrying 490 Tamil asylum-seekers from Sri-Lanka. This is the second ship that has arrived in British Columbia carrying Tamil refugees fleeing the violence in Sri-Lanka. The migrants have been at sea for three months, living in cramped and inadequate living conditions. They have put their lives at risk to embark on this journey to a safer place after suffering tremendously through the hardships in Sri Lanka.
The situation in Sri Lanka is dire as many Tamils still remain in camps or are living in poor conditions. Many Tamils are being detained without fair trial and disappearances occur on a daily basis.
Canada has been recognized worldwide as being a compassionate country that protects the rights and legitimate concerns of refugees. As a country that is a signatory to the United Nations Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, Canada is encouraged to ensure that refugees who reach its soil are given the rights and freedoms outlined in this Convention.
According to this Convention, refugees should be given free access to the courts of law within the country of landing to determine their status.
Although the United Nations Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees cannot solve the root causes of the Tamils fleeing Sri Lanka, it can assist them in beginning a new life by ensuring that their rights and freedoms are protected.
There has been a lot of criticism and disagreement as to whether these Tamil asylum-seekers should be allowed to enter Canada. The refugees on this ship are a highly vulnerable group, and such criticism and labeling will create more unjustified hatred and fear towards this group.
These refugees have undergone tremendous suffering in Sri Lanka, and have just arrived to Canada after a dangerous three-month long boat ride in hopes of reaching safety. These individuals need to be treated with care and compassion in light of their current journey. All refugee claimants need to be processed on an individual basis, and those who are able to demonstrate that they are genuine refugees should be granted asylum.
As Canadians, it is our duty to welcome these refugees with open arms and ensure their rights and freedoms are protected.
Human Rights Advocacy Council Canadian Tamil Youth Alliance (CTYA)
Tags: News
