British MP Uma Kumaran has called on the UK government to prioritise the “safety and dignity” of Tamil asylum seekers who are stranded on Diego Garcia.
The Stratford and Bow MP’s statement follows an agreement by the UK government to offer 56 Tamil asylum seekers a temporary move to Romania, before potentially being moved to the UK.
The UK government decided to move the Tamil asylum seekers after it agreed to transfer sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) to Mauritius last week.
In a statement, Kumaran said she is “actively in touch” with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and UK government ministers to ensure the rights of the Tamil asylum seekers are upheld.
“While the government has taken steps in the right direction, it is essential that any further action addresses the complexities of their situation and what they have been through,” Kumaran added.
The group of Tamils fled in October 2021, attempting to reach Canada to claim asylum before their boat came into trouble near Diego Garcia.
The asylum seekers were kept in worsening living conditions, with escalating mental health challenges, and allegations of abuse.
See Kumaran’s full statement below:
“The situation faced by the Tamil migrants in Diego Garcia has been desperate for too long, with many enduring harsh living conditions, fear for their safety and health and uncertainty about their future.
As the UK Government seek long-term solutions, it is crucial that their safety and dignity is prioritised.
I remain steadfast in advocating for their wellbeing and am actively in touch with the FCDO and Ministers to ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.
While the government has taken steps in the right direction, it is essential that any further action addresses the complexities of their situation and what they have been through. Ensuring meaningful support and protection for those at risk remains a pressing concern that must not be overlooked.”
