Let the Tamil Migrants Stay
August 16, 2010
The Canadian Peace Alliance, Canada's largest peace network, urges the government of Canada to respect the human rights of the Tamil refugees arriving in British Colombia. The Tamil people have already endured decades of repression at the hands of the Sri Lankan government, culminating in a war in 2009 which resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and the illegal use of detention camps for the Tamil minority. The Harper government failed to strongly condemn this ethnic cleansing. Canada must not further contribute to these ongoing abuses of human rights in Sri Lanka by denying sanctuary to these refugees.
We are alarmed that Public Safety Minister Vic Toews would publicly accuse many of the migrants of being “terrorists”. This statement has the effect of branding all migrants as potential threats thus increasing racism and xenophobia. Worse, these remarks will result in increasing racism against Tamil communities in Canada. The minister has produced no evidence of these claims and he must rescind the remarks.
Further, the assertion from Toews that these migrants are not engaging in proper procedures for refugee claims misrepresents the situation of Tamils in Sri Lanka. The Tamil minority suffers from severe curtailing of their rights and have few options for fleeing to find safety.
The people on the MV Sun Sea are in need of safe haven. Especially given the Canadian
government's recent failure to condemn Sri Lankan war crimes, there is a strong moral imperative to give refuge to these people seeking safety, security and a better life. The current government must treat all migrants with respect and compassion, particularly those that are fleeing state sponsored violence.
For more information on the Tamil struggle please see: Tamilnet
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Canadian Peace Alliance
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phone: 416-588-5555
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