World Refugee Day: Stalin for supporting those affected by wars

On the occasion of the World Refugee Day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday called for supporting those who have been severely affected by wars. In a social media post, Mr. Stalin said there were persons that were Stateless only because of wars. He recalled it was under his government that the ‘refugee camps’ housing the Sri Lankan Tamils were renamed as ‘rehabilitation camps’.

The UNHCR along with various NGOs organised an event to commemorate the World Refugee Day in Chennai on Friday. Minister of Minorities and Non Resident Tamils Welfare S.M. Nasar underlined the steps being undertaken by the welfare of Sri Lankan Tamils in camps in the State. Chief Guest and Thoothukudi Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said her party would continue with its steps to get all the willing Sri Lankan Tamils the Indian citizenship.

UNHCR India’s Deputy Chief of Mission Margriet Veenma, said: “In a time of growing needs and limited resources, it is more urgent than ever for governments, corporates and civil societies to unite, develop innovative solutions for refugees, and be catalysts for change in solidarity with them.” Commissioner of Rehabilitation and Non-Resident Tamil Welfare M. Vallalar said 3,000 of the 10,000 housing units planned for the benefit of Sri Lankan Tamil nationals have been completed.

Member of the State government’s constituted committee Govi. Lenin said a total of eight individuals from the camps have obtained Indian citizenship through the courts. Senior journalist R.K. Radhakrishnan moderated a panel discussion on solidarity and resilience. CEO of Startup TN Sivarajah Ramanathan, author A.C. Vijidharan, film and theatre actor Shanmugarajan, lyricist Parvathy Meera, assistant director Johnson and artist Neha took part in the discussion.