Australia's handling of Tamil asylum seekers arriving boat, has been criticised by human rights organisations base in the country, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
The executive director of Human Rights Law Centre in Australia, Phil Lynch, criticised the country's close liaison with Sri Lanka, including security and military cooperation.
Lynch said,
''At best, this undermines the spirit of the Refugee Convention, which gives people the right to flee persecution and seek protection. At worst, it involves Australia, at least indirectly, in exposing people to torture, cruel treatment and other serious human rights violations.''
Meanwhile, following a meeting with the Australian High Commissioner, Robyn Mudie, Sri Lankan Navy Commander Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake appeared disgruntled at Australia for not supporting efforts to "thwart smugglers' plans".
Dissanayake said,
"The Sri Lankan Navy intelligence as well as other sister services and police are working overtime to thwart smugglers' plans. But, unfortunately, Australia is not supporting our efforts."
