World Refugee Day: No improvement in TN refugee camps

Wednesday may be observed as the World Refugee Day, but for these refugees, it is just another day without any meaning. After the Tamil Eelam war became 

intense during the second half of 1980’s and early 1990’s, a large wave of Sri Lankan refugees entered India to escape the violence. 

Although several years have passed by since their arrival, the refugee families which hoped for a better life are still searching for one. They live in makeshift houses with broken asbestos roofs and use damaged toilets, whose run-off water accumulates at the back of their houses. There is no proper drinking water facility either. 

With the refugee tag, most men are denied regular work even though they have completed their degrees. They are forced to work as painters and plumbers for daily wages. Women support the men by making beads in the houses. Men rue that they do not get girls outside the refugee camps for marriage.  

Speaking to DTNext , Sebastian (33) said that he moved to the refugee camp 28 years ago. Although the elders in the camp wish to return to Sri Lanka, he said he feels settled in the camp. 

“However, youngsters struggle without proper employment,” he said. 

Most of the youth are degree holders, yet are deprived of proper employment opportunities. They become painters and plumbers. The State government should help the youngsters in getting a decent job, demanded Sebastian. 

Another problem faced by them is the absence of even basic amenities at the camp. “We get water once in 15 days, which we use for drinking and cooking purpose. Also, there is no drainage facility. As a result, there is a constant foul smell lingering in the air,” said Jesintha, another refugee.