The Australian government deported at least 13 asylum seekers to Sri Lanka on Friday, according to a press release from the Australian High Commission.
“These non-citizens have been found not to engage Australia’s protection obligations, and have no lawful basis to remain in Australia,” said the statement.
“Settlement in Australia will never be an option for anyone who attempts to travel to Australia illegally by boat”.
The deportation marks at least the second such move in as many months. Despite reports of continued torture in Sri Lanka, the Australian government pledged to continue with forced deportations.
“Australia will continue to remove individuals and groups to Sri Lanka, on both a voluntary and involuntary basis,” the High Commission continued… Any people smuggling boats that attempt to reach Australia will be intercepted and turned back.”
