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Sailing through seas of uncertainty
Fri, 11/06/2009 2:45 PM | City
Threatened by the aftermath of conflict in their homeland, a large number of Sri Lankans seek asylum in other countries despite the knowledge that getting protection in another country could be a long, uncertain road.
In Malaysia, for example, the UNHCR only accepts 25 refugees at random every week. Upon hearing the news that Australia would open its gates to refugees, 255 people took to a wooden boat to cross the oceans and find a new life.
Hopes turned into despair when they were intercepted by the Indonesian Navy while passing the Sunda Strait on Oct. 10. They were forced to divert to Indah Kiat port in Merak, Banten, and as of today, still remain on their vessel.
They have refused to disembark, citing the lack of assurances on their fate given that Indonesia has yet to ratify the UN convention on refugees. The Foreign Ministry has not yet decided whether to treat them as refugees or asylum seekers. Even if they are welcomed here, they have refused to stay in Indonesia, citing natural disasters and poverty.
Local authorities have prepared a temporary shelter and a health clinic near the port should the Sri Lankans disembark.
Conditions on the boat are worsening. They have to sleep on top of each other on the boat's deck and above the bilges. Clean water is a luxury and diseases are starting to take toll on their health.
The boat, registered in Indonesia, was bound from Pontianak, West Kalimantan, to Australia before the trip, which was dilapidated from the journey and from having to house hundreds of people for months.
"We have enough fuel. But even if we can leave for Australia, we are not sure if the boat can take us through the *Indian* ocean," said Kumar, a refugee.
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Vic Z (not verified), Australia — Sat, 11/07/2009 - 8:48am
The UNHCR refugee policy from 1951 is out of date. It should read "people will not be considered for refugee status, unless they took refuge in the closest "safe" country to the one they are departing", end of story. The Tamils, mainly ex Tamil Tiger fighters, are nothing more than economic refugees, seeking the pot of gold, Australia. Why should Indonesia, or any other country have to deal with people only seeking wealth. Their are millions of REAL refugees that need our help, and we should focus on these and not those that shout the loudest and blackmail countries into taking them. Put them on a plane back to Columbo, and the message will get around very qickly, that their only hope is Tamil Nadu, a peaceful Indian state virtually within walking distance. Indonesia should avoid joining any UN convention, and retain your own sovereignty. Don't allow this US dominated organization control your domestic policies, and create a divisive country as they have in Australia and other countries.