"..We are disappointed that no decision has been taken about our plea for political asylum. We  escaped death in our own homeland It is more than Six months since we were picked up in mid seas safely and taken ashore by navy and customs personnel and federal police to an immigration detention centre at Christmas Island. We are still left at limbo without anyone taking a decision about our future. As you are aware we fled our land of birth due to fear of ethnic persecution and daily life becoming very dangerous..."

August 30, 2007
Sri Lankan Asylum Seekers,
Nauru

Hon. Kevin Andrews, MP
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Ministry of Immigration Canbera Australia.

Dear Hon. Minister,

Tamil Speaking Asylum Seekers in Nauru who intend to go on Hunger Strike

We are disappointed that no decision has been taken about our plea for political asylum. We  escaped death in our own homeland It is more than Six months since we were picked up in mid seas safely and taken ashore by navy and customs personnel and federal police to an immigration detention centre at Christmas Island. We are still left at limbo without anyone taking a decision about our future. As you are aware we fled our land of birth due to fear of ethnic persecution and daily life becoming very dangerous.

We are disappointed that no decision has been taken about our plea for political asylum. We  escaped death in our own homeland and in the high seas are now reduced to walking zombies. Eating three meals a day does not mean living? It is for this reason we have decided to avoid the three meals and face whatever is in store in respect of our future.

All our appeals all these days have not brought any satisfactory response. We are pained to observe the silence of the international community when everyone is in the know of the horrendous human rights violations taking place in Sri Lanka. Daily ten people are shot to death in the Sri Lanka. We are frustrated that despite the lapse of six months and despite the existence of many countries that offer asylum to political refugees no final decision has been taken about Eighty three of us. Hence, we have decided to go on Hunger strike from 1st of September, 2007.

This fast is not meant to hurt anyone else.  It is purely meant to draw the attention of the world at large about our story plight. We have been affected psychologically and traumatised. We appeal to you to understand our sad and pathetic situation and a make a decision.

Till we get a favorable reply we have decided to go on hunger Strike.

Yours truly,

Sri Lankan Asylum Seekers who
are on Hunger strike

Copy to:Hon. Alexander Downer, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia Ellen Hansen, Senior Protection officer, UNHCR Regional office, Pacific Region The Manager, Migrant center, IOM, Republic of Nauru.
Refugee Council, Australia

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