Refugee Rights Action Network extends our sympathies to the family and friends of Tamil activist PA Subramaniam who has sadly passed away.

The Tamil community in Perth has lost a tireless campaigner for human rights and a fearless advocate for justice. He spoke out against the war crimes that occurred in Sri Lanka, at times at great personal risk. He was a supporter of his people, and of our campaign to free the refugees.

Mr Subramaniam had spoken publicly, including at rallies organised by RRAN, in defence of the rights of Tamil refugees, and against the policy of mandatory detention for people already suffering. He believed in the power of education and advocacy to change public opinion. His decency and insight will be greatly missed.