Indonesia Gives Ultimatum to the Stranded Refugees at Merak

Canadian Advocate (http://canadianadvocate.wordpress.com/)

According to refugee sources, they have been told that they have no option but to agree to be moved to another location to “an island” close to Singapore . The refugees were also informed that their refugee claims will then be processed by the UNHCR at a later time.

However, the refugees fear that they will be forcefully removed from the boat and deported to Sri Lanka where they may face persecution. They have not been given the information as to where they are going to be moved. Also, they have not been given any guarantees about their safety and about the processing of their appeals for resettlement.

The decision to move the refugees to a remote location is sinister and worrisome. Activists who have been advocating to both Indonesia and Australia for a fair treatment of the refugees and for their rights are worried about the safety and security of the refugees. The highhanded approach of the Indonesian government has also raised the concerns that they will be denied due process and may face deportation to Sri Lanka.

The port of Merak in Indonesia has been the centre of attention for more than 150 days. Hundreds of Tamils from around the world, whose relatives have been putting up a fight for their rights as refugees, and refugee rights activists have been calling for a compassionate and fast resolution to this crisis.

The “Merak boat people”, as they are now called, include more than 30 children, at least one mother expecting to give birth to a child in a few days, and tens of families. These refugees who were fleeing persecution from Sri Lanka were on their way to Australia and were intercepted by the Indonesian Navy.

Several Non-Governmental organizations and activists have been calling for an immediate humanitarian intervention facilitated by UNHCR, immediate processing of these refugee claims, and guarantees to the people’s health, wellness, and security. So far, Indonesian and Australian governments have been steadfast in their refusal to allow such intervention. In the mean time, the refugees on the boat continue to live in abhorrent conditions with absolutely no sign of any political movement to assist them.

The looming crisis can only avoided by the immediate intervention of the UNHCR and the governments of Indonesia and Australia.