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The message was received and the families are finally being processed for release. This result belongs entirely to the people who took notice when it seemed like no one was watching. I am truly humbled by how this turned out.

December 3, 2007

OPEN LETTER TO THE EMBASSIES OF THIRD COUNTRIES  TO RELAY THE \"VOICES OF DETAINED REFUGEES\"

OPEN LETTER TO THE EMBASSIES OF THIRD COUNTRIES TO RELAY THE \"VOICES OF DETAINED REFUGEES\"

🏆 Won — 258 supporters Verified

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Started by Anonymous 19 years ago
VOICES OF DETAINED REFUGEES Bangkok, on the 26th of August 2007 \"Dear Sir or Madam, We are Sri Lankan refugees and want to bring to your attention the fact that we are writing this letter from Bangkok Immigration Detention Centre. We were recognized as refugees by UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) at various dates. Some of us have been detained since more than 1 year, meanwhile 19 children including 7 aged 1 to 3 years, 11 women on a total of 58 refugees are currently imprisoned. Thailand immigration arrested us for overstay, as we could not extend the duration of our visa to stay legally in this country. Since the 11th of April 2007, we did not receive any visits from UNHCR, we later learnt that UNHCR is not allowed to visit us. We heard a few days ago that the files of the majority of us had been submitted by UNHCR to various third countries

Updates

September 28, 2007

I never imagined that so many people would take notice of what is happening inside the detention center. The stories being shared in the comments are heartbreaking and they underscore why this is so much bigger than me. I am currently working to ensure these letters actually reach the officials they were intended for because you all deserve to be heard.

September 28, 2007

I am honestly overwhelmed by the momentum this is gaining. It is incredible to see so many people standing behind these refugees when I honestly never imagined this would reach beyond a small circle of friends. This response belongs entirely to you for deciding that these lives are worth fighting for.

Reached 100 supporters

September 28, 2007

6 Comments

J
Julie Banerjee
18 years ago Featured

Absolutely inhumane to lock up women and kids just for visa issues. Get them to safety.

D
David Kumar
19 years ago Featured

UNHCR needs to get back in there now. Its their job to protect these people. Disgraceful silence.

M
Mark Werner
19 years ago Featured

Over a year? In a detention center? That is unreal. They are refugees not criminals. Let them go.

E
Elena Dixon
19 years ago Featured

THESE POOR BABIES. I cannot imagine being stuck in there for months let alone years. Shame on everyone ignoring them.

S
Sarah Hayes
19 years ago Featured

This is heartbreaking. Children belong in a home not a prison cell. Someone needs to step up and help these people immediately.

T
Tom Wade
19 years ago Featured

Free them already. People are just trying to survive.