IMADR on situation in Lebanon

Thushara KALUARACHCHI

COLOMBO: The International Movement Against all forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR) has expressed its deepest concerns about the situation in Lebanon.

In a letter addressed to Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Athauda Seneviratne, IMADR President Nimalka Fernando while expressing its appreciation for taking immediate steps to assist the Sri Lankans who face difficulties due to the situation in Lebanon said that only a small number has so far been evacuated.

While appreciating the gestures made by neighbouring countries, such as India, in providing naval assistance in the evacuation, the IMADR focused on the possible difficulties faced by the female workers.

The letter further referring to the conflict said that, it was important that we immediately seek assistance from relevant UN mechanisms.

"This crisis is displacing thousands of workers and we should ensure that they are also adequately compensated, as these workers have sent millions in foreign remittances to our country. It is appropriate that we provide interim relief while seeking compensation from the UN under its special arrangements."

Urging the Sri Lanka Government to use its diplomatic relations to call upon Israel to immediately enter into a Ceasefire Agreement as the situation was causing a major human tragedy, the IMADR has made a request to dispatch a ship or to ask such assistance from other countries for the immediate evacuation of all the Sri Lankan nationals from Lebanon.