Appeal to Sri Lanka on World Refugees Day, 20 June

INDIA’S compassion as a host nation sets a precedent and now Sri Lanka must welcome its people back with justice and opportunity.

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On the occasion of World Refugees Day on 20 June, S.C. Chandrahasan of the Organization for Eelam Refugees Rehabilitation (OfERR) has appealed to the Sri Lankan Government to welcome back Lankan refugees and enable them to lead a dignified life in their native land.

In a statement, Chandrahasan said that for decades, India has served as a sanctuary for refugees from across the world: Tibetans, Afghans, Burmese, Africans, and, most notably, Sri Lankan Tamils. Among these groups, the treatment of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees stands out as a rare example of benevolence. It provided shelter, education, and livelihood opportunities in Tamil Nadu which enable them to rebuild their lives with dignity.

This humane approach should serve as a global model for refugee protection. Yet, the ultimate measure of justice lies not just in how refugees are hosted, but in seeking the most durable solutions.