Sri Lankan refugees to be resettled in Australia in early 2008
In response to the submission of 3 December 2007 made by PHRRE (People for Human Rights & Racial Equality) in Melbourne Australia, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has informed that it is continuing to process refugee and humanitarian visa applications for the Sri Lankans in Nauru. The response further stated that following decisions on the applications, people who meet the requirements will be resettled in Australia early in 2008. The Department has also assured that the refugees in Nauru reside in a safe environment, protected against refoulement while their claims are being assessed. According to the response, the refugees have access to a wide range of amenities, including sporting facilities, libraries and television. They are served food that is prepared by professional catering staff and is culturally appropriate.
The Department had already accepted as refugees a group of 72 Sri Lankans who were among 83 asylum seekers intercepted en route to Australia in February 2007 and held in Nauru. However, the previous government refused to resettle them in Australia. The Sri Lankan Government had branded the group as “economic refugees” and demanded Australia returns them to their war-torn homeland.
PHRRE takes this opportunity to thank the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Australian government for their humane decision to resettle these refugees in Australia.
Ajith Rajapsksa
Lionel Bopage
Press Release ~ People for Human Rights & Racial Equality
