
@IFRC Global Migration & Displacement Coordinator. Non-resident Fellow @GUMigration. Affiliate @KaldorCentre. Views my own.
Joined June 2013
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#FMR 75 on Dangerous Journeys is online.
It is a powerful call to reduce #deaths and #disappearances of #migrants and #refugees.
With insights and ideas from policymakers, practitioners, advocates, and academics.
Take a look. What is your next step?
bit.ly/45AQv2F
📢FMR 75 'Dangerous journeys: Saving lives & responding to missing #migrants & #refugees' is now online!
See: fmreview.org/dangerous-journ…
#Refugees #Displacement #Migration #Asylum
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
The Platform on Disaster Displacement is hiring a Pacific Region Policy Adviser to provide technical assistance under the Pacific Climate Mobility Partnerships Programme and serve as the PDD focal point on disaster displacement in the region careers.unops.org/careersmar…
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
How can the Global Compact for Migration deliver more practical outcomes for people moving in the context of disasters, climate change and environmental degradation? Our latest NIPA +10 blog by @SanjulaSW, @TimoASchmidt & @atle_solberg explains how climatemobility.unsw.edu.au/…
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
$6m gift to UNSW opens the door to university for refugee students. The HMJ Sassafras Scholarship covers tuition, accommodation and living costs for students from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds. unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/20…
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
At #IMRF2026, the side event “Saving Lives & Missing Migrants: From Recommendations to Results” was a clear call: move from commitments to action. 🕯️🤝 Prevent deaths, strengthen search & identification, boost cross‑border cooperation, and engage families. #MissingMigrants #GCM
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
The Evacuations Research Hub @KaldorCentre @UNSWLaw is excited to offer two PhD scholarships in law to examine the role of evacuations in different contexts. Applications due 18 May 2026; details here: unsw.edu.au/law-justice/stud…
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
‘Australia cannot protect everyone at risk in Iran, but no one is suggesting that’s our role. What we can do is provide at least temporary respite to people who’ve already been approved to work, study or visit family or friends here’ - read our latest post open.substack.com/pub/cheekm…
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
Australian citizens stranded in the Middle East are desperate to leave. Is the government required to help? We canvassed this issue last year - and what we wrote then still applies. theconversation.com/australi…
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
Deeply disturbing Australia supports the illegal US/Israeli aggression against Iran in violation of the UN Charter. This is not lawful self-defence against an armed attack by Iran & the Security Council has not authorized it. Preventive regime change is an international crime
Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.
For decades, the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force, through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and brutal acts of violence and intimidation.
Iran directed at least two attacks on Australian soil in 2024. These appalling acts targeting Australia’s Jewish community were intended to create fear, divide our society and challenge our sovereignty. In response, Australia took the unprecedented steps of expelling Iran’s Ambassador, suspending operations at our embassy in Tehran, and listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Our Government has sanctioned more than 200 Iranian-linked individuals, including more than 100 linked to the IRGC.
With international partners, including the United States and the G7, we have called for the Iranian regime to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iran’s citizens.
These calls have gone unheeded. Instead, the regime has instigated a brutal crackdown on its own people leaving thousands of Iranian civilians dead. A regime that relies on the repression and murder of its own people to retain power is without legitimacy.
It has long been recognised that Iran’s nuclear program is a threat to global peace and security. The international community has been clear that the Iranian regime can never beallowed to develop a nuclear weapon. The United Nations Security Council has reimposed sanctions on Iran for failing to comply with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the International Atomic Energy Agency Board has formally declared Iran in non-compliance with its non-proliferation safeguards obligations.
We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security.
Australian officials are closely monitoring this evolving situation. We continue
to advise Australians do not travel to Iran and leave Iran as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited.
Given our concerns around security in the region, we have also upgraded Australia’s travel advice for Israel and Lebanon to Do Not Travel. Australians should leave now if it is safe to do so.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region.
Australians requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Consular Emergency Centre 24/7 on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia.
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
A very important ruling by a Greek court that rescuing migrants at sea is a humanitarian, not a criminal, act, despite the callous efforts of some governments to say otherwise so as to encourage drowning at sea as a deterrent to migration. trib.al/CUxV9vh
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
Replying to @ifrc
@IFRC, together with leading academic experts, hosted high-level webinars on 12 & 18 November to deepen dialogue on the Draft Articles on the Protection of Persons Disasters and the future #DisasterLawTreaty.
disasterlaw.ifrc.org/node/10…
youtube.com/watch?v=rfu2k58o…
youtube.com/watch?v=xsxPKl-2…
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
10 years ago, 109 governments endorsed the Nansen Initiative Protection Agenda on disaster displacement. In this podcast, Walter Kaelin - Envoy of the Chair of the Platform on Disaster Displacement - and I reflect on that time and what's happened since climatemobility.unsw.edu.au/…
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
EVENT! Reflecting on a decade of policy & legal progress for #DisasterDisplacedPersons
w/ @Refugees @KaldorCentre @KASonline at UNHCR GRF progress review
📅 15 Dec, 12:00 | Geneva
📩 RSVP: [email protected]
🔗 tinyurl.com/3z5say74
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
At the Global Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action today, I shared a simple truth: most of the deadliest disasters were forecast, yet people still suffered. Early warnings only save lives when communities can understand them, trust them and act on them. That’s why anticipatory action is essential. It closes the gap between “we knew” and “we acted.”
If we want anticipatory action to succeed, we need three things:
1. Trust.
2. Decisions based on data and grounded in reality.
3. And a people-centred approach. Always.
Because a crisis is never about systems.
It is about people.
Anticipatory action remains a top priority for the @IFRC as we work to build a global system that is Local, Everywhere. And we know it works. The response to Hurricane Melissa showed us what is possible.
Together, we can turn warnings into action and protect lives and livelihoods.
Our Anticipatory Action report: bit.ly/3JEnKtb
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
Severe floods are hitting Southeast Asia - Malaysia, Viet Nam, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Hundreds of thousands displaced, homes submerged, and communities cut off.
Red Cross teams across the region are evacuating families, delivering aid, and supporting relief efforts.
Climate impacts are accelerating and communities need support now.
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
46 million displacements last year were forced by floods, storms, droughts and heatwaves, nearly double the past decade’s average. Climate mobility is no longer a distant threat. It’s now.
Today, at #UNGA80, I joined a discussion on Turning Evidence into Action: Leveraging Climate Mobility Blueprints to Unlock Climate Finance.
Key takeaways:
- No one chooses to flee their homes or communities: we must expand safer, more dignified choices, so people can stay or move on their own terms.
- Communities, local actors and authorities must drive outcomes.
- Resources must reach communities and local actors
- Invest in building climate-smart communities
- Preparedness and early action matters, including early finance: they reduce harm and enable choice.
Let's act on our words.
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
Deeply concerned after Sunday’s incident, when the Ocean Viking humanitarian ship was struck by multiple gunshots.
Thankfully, no individuals were physically harmed. However, this serious event has jeopardized the safety and well-being of both our humanitarian personnel and the rescued individuals on board.
Today, humanitarian workers operate in increasingly perilous environments, often putting their own lives at risk to save others. Their mission must be respected and protected at all times.
The Ocean Viking has long been a beacon of hope in a vast, unforgiving sea. Humanitarian operations must always be protected.
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
In 2024, disasters and the impact of climate change forced millions of people from their homes across Asia Pacific. Displacement isn’t a future risk, it’s here now.
Our new @IFRC report shows the scale of the crisis & the power of local action. Read more: bit.ly/3V5uvqb
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
The @theIPCinfo has issued a stark alert: The worst-case scenario of Famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip. Latest data indicates that Famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City.
Over 20,000 children have been admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition between April and mid-July, with more than 3,000 severely malnourished. Families are suffering.
The food crisis in Gaza is no longer a projection, it is unfolding now. Every hour counts.
Once again, we urgently call for full and unhindered access, and the entrance at scale for humanitarian aid. ipcinfo.org/ipcinfo-website/…
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
500+ Master’s scholarships available for African refugee and displaced students at 25+ universities worldwide rsc.ox.ac.uk/news/rlrh-launc…
Sanjula Weerasinghe retweeted
Heavy rainfall in Fonkoi Kunda has led to severe flooding, affecting 18 households with 8 families completely displaced due to extensive damage.
The @GambiaRedCross, through its LRR Branch, is working closely with local authorities to assess the situation & identify urgent needs






























