Broadcast images of the Tamil refugees fleeing to camps in northern Sri Lanka are having a deep impact on Tamil communities across Asia.

Tamil relief groups say as many as 25,000 refugees are injured and in need of urgent medical care. The Kuala Lumpur based World Tamil Relief Fund says up to 12,000 people have perished in the last three months of the conflict.

Mohammed Arif, at the Tamil Mosque in Bangkok, says many Tamils are troubled by the bloodshed that claimed so many lives: “I really feel very sad - just many innocent people dying every day without food, and leading a scary life.”

Asraf Sultan, the treasurer at the mosque, says the community is planning to contribute to the United Nations and the Red Cross.

“I will help in whatever way I can. For many disasters worldwide we collect funds through our Bangkok Mosque -- the same way we will also collect funds for the Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.”

Donations for refugees

In Malaysia, home to almost two million ethnic Tamils, S. Pasupathi, a lawyer with the World Tamil Relief Fund says several politicians will go to assess the situation in Sri Lanka: “They can go there and assess the immediate needs of shelter, clothing, sanitation and education.”

Nara Singhan, vice president of the Singapore–based Ceylon Tamil Association, says donors want to ensure the assistance reaches the Tamils in need.

“During the tsunami we collected a lot and sent it to them. But now we are afraid whether it will be reaching the people. It seems it is diverted unless it is sent through an international organization like the Red Cross. We don’t trust the Sri Lankan government.”

The Red Cross has criticized the Sri Lankan government for failing to provide full and unimpeded access to the relief camps. The UN says up to 300,000 Tamil refugees are housed in over 20 temporary government controlled camps across northern Sri Lanka. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon is due to travel to Sri Lanka on Friday to assess the situation.

Author: Ron Corben (Bangkok)
Editor: Thomas Bärthlein