Refugees like me try to explain everything. But it is only some who listen and help.
Right now, my son Dixtan is sitting in a detention centre. Officials could force him to danger as soon as 7 August. That is two weeks from today.
In 2009, when my husband was killed by the indiscriminate shelling of the Sri Lankan army, Dixtan lost the person who protected him, who looked after him and made him feel safe.
He was forced to witness the Sri Lankan soldiers coming to our house. When they sexually assaulted me, he was unable to save me. He was traumatised by this.
After his grandmother passed away, Dixtan came here because he knew his safety couldn’t be guaranteed in Sri Lanka.
My son is one of many thousands of Eelam Tamils who have faced ongoing genocide since 1948.
Today, it is exactly 40 years since the beginning of the Black July pogrom in Sri Lanka. Tamils were slaughtered and burnt alive. Women and children were raped and killed. Vehicles transporting Tamils were set on fire.
I was recently granted permanent protection here in Australia, after many years of uncertainty. I am proud to feel at home here.
But now, my mental health has worsened. I sit at home, not knowing how to cope. I feel so sad and depressed.
My son Dixtan is the only remaining member of my family.
Minister Giles, please don’t separate my son and me. Please help us to be together.
Please save my son.
Thank you if you have already sent your email to Minister Giles.
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