Australian Tamil Congress

Availability for Comment

“From early on we have raised grave concerns about the medical attention available to the men, women and children on board the boat in Merak. This tragedy could have been prevented.”

Sam Pari – Medical Doctor and Spokesperson for the Australian Tamil Congress (ATC)

“The death of George Jacob Samuel Christin, 29, an asylum seeker on board the Boat in Merak is a tragic call to action for the Australian Government.

 “The Australian Tamil Congress is urgently calling for an immediate resolution to get these people off the boat. They have fled a war torn country, escaping ethnic persecution and suffering severe emotional trauma. It is inhumane to expect these people to suffer any longer than they already have.

“The Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and Norwegian governments have all come together to find a resettlement solution for those onboard the Oceanic Viking. Have they forgotten about the people clearly in need in Merak?

“The Australian Government needs to play a compassionate leadership role in our region. No one deserves to spend Christmas this way.”

Dr Sam Pari is available for interview on this topic