Refugee advocates and students have united in the wake of the tragic death of 23-year-old Tamil asylum seeker Mano Yogalingam, who passed away after setting himself on fire in Melbourne’s south-east. Mano, who had been in Australia since 2013, spent over a decade on a bridging visa, a situation that many believe contributed to his despair.
The incident, which occurred on 28 August at a Noble Park skate park, has sparked outrage and calls for change. Victoria Police confirmed that Mano was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries but sadly died on Wednesday.
This tragedy has resonated deeply with students at Deakin University, where over 300 students attended a general meeting and unanimously passed an emergency motion. The motion declared solidarity with refugees struggling for their right to permanent protection and citizenship, specifically supporting the encampment in Docklands that has become a focal point for refugee advocates. The students held the Australian Labor government directly responsible for Mano’s death, demanding immediate permanent protection for the 10,000 refugees left in limbo by current policies. Their message was clear: “Not one more death, not one more turn back: justice for refugees now!”
The Tamil Refugee Council echoed the students’ sentiments, stating that Mano’s prolonged time on a bridging visa was a significant factor in his tragic decision. Mano’s refugee status claim had previously been rejected under the controversial “fast-track” system introduced in 2014, and he was in the process of appealing this decision when he died.
Friends of Mano, who gathered outside the Home Affairs department’s Docklands office on Wednesday to protest, described him as a strong, energetic, and loving individual. The shock of his sudden death has left the community reeling.
The Deakin students’ motion adds significant weight to the ongoing demands for reform, putting further pressure on the Australian Labor government to address the issues within the asylum seeker system. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke was contacted for a comment, but a brief statement from the department only offered condolences to Mano’s family and others affected by the tragedy. Privacy concerns prevented them from commenting on the specifics of his case.
This latest development underscores the growing unrest and frustration with the current refugee policies in Australia. The Tamil community, a minority group in Sri Lanka, continues to face challenges, with Australian authorities maintaining that Tamils in Sri Lanka are at “low risk of official or societal discrimination” and “a low risk of torture overall,” despite contrary assessments from some international bodies and the United States.
As the refugee advocacy movement gains momentum, the Deakin students’ call for “justice for refugees now” reflects the increasing demand for change and accountability.
For those in need of support, several helplines are available, including Lifeline, Kids Helpline, MensLine Australia, and Beyond Blue.
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- ReachOut at au.reachout.com
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