Information Note on the Court’s case-law 44

July 2002

Venkadajalasarma v. the Netherlands (dec.) - 58510/00

Decision 9.7.2002 [Section II]

Article 3

Expulsion

Threatened deportation of Tamils to Sri Lanka: admissible

[This summary also covers the decision of the case Thampibillai v. the Netherlands , no. 61350/00, 9 July 2000]

Both applicants belong to the Tamil ethnic group of Sri Lanka and unsuccessfully sought asylum in the Netherlands. They contended that their expulsion to Sri Lanka would expose them to treatment contrary Article 3 due to the hostilities between the Tamil Tigers (“LTTE”), a terrorist organisation fighting for the independence of Tamils, and t he Sri Lankan authorities.

Admissible under Article 3: As to the current situation in Sri Lanka, although certain progress has been made towards an agreement between the LTTE and the Government, it is too soon to consider that Tamils are no longer at risk. The Court decided to extend the application of Rule 39.

© Council of Europe/European Court of Human Rights This summary by the Registry does not bind the Court.

Click here for the Case-Law Information Notes