Supporting Tamil refugees with UNHCR status in non-signatory countries — providing legal, educational, medical, and community support to families caught in some of the world's most precarious situations.
Support this programAra-Vali was created to support Tamil people with refugee status according to the UNHCR who are located in non-signatory UN refugee convention countries — including Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Equatorial Guinea. Within this population, most have gained conventional refugee status but are unable to access a visa, education for their children, or a stable income.
These are families who have already survived displacement, conflict, and loss — yet find themselves in legal limbo in countries that offer no formal protections to refugees. They cannot work legally, their children cannot attend school, and they cannot access healthcare or legal aid.
Through Ara-Vali, Valluvam works to strengthen the wellbeing of these families across every dimension — legal, educational, medical, spiritual, and social — until they can reach safety and begin rebuilding their lives.
Non-signatory countries where we operate
Recognised refugees supported
All services provided at no cost to families
These are non-signatory UN refugee convention countries where Tamil refugees have status but no legal protections or access to services.
Every service is provided free of charge to families who have no other means of support.
Refugees and claimants can approach Ara-Vali for settlement support. We review situations, provide information, and connect individuals with legal advisors. If a UNHCR case is rejected, Ara-Vali will assist with legal fees, interpretation, and finding lawyers.
Many refugee parents live with adult children who were unable to receive education before arriving in non-signatory countries. Valluvam arranges individual teachers to provide GED education online, completely free of charge. Educators also mentor students and assist with formal letters and documents.
Ara-Vali organises education for small groups of children who have no access to schooling due to visa status. Students are guided by educators following the Oxford curriculum, with regular evaluations to ensure academic improvement.
Refugees in non-signatory countries often face language barriers and receive no UNHCR funding for healthcare. Ara-Vali arranges Tamil-speaking medical doctors who provide phone consultations. If financial assistance is required for medication or hospital travel, Ara-Vali will provide the necessary support.
We connect individuals and families on a weekly basis through online meetings, building community among isolated refugees around the world. Sessions include discussions on the Thirukural, meditation, social issues, and day-to-day life challenges.
We connect single mothers with appropriate resources to ensure their healthy well-being — helping them find employment, connecting them with other single mothers to share experiences, and providing mentorship and emotional support.
Regular group sessions to help mothers gain more autonomy and self-determination. Women connect through group activities, plan events, and work together to build economic independence. Sessions cover topics including running a business, women's rights, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
We believe spirituality gives guidance in a moral life. Ara-Vali hosts yoga and meditation seminars online, connecting refugees around the world so they can practice together. We also incorporate the Thirukural in mediation and discussion practices.
We connect refugees with legal consultants who can provide support for detainees whose UNHCR cases have been rejected. We find local agencies capable of community sponsorships for UNHCR refugees and provide translations of case reports.
Every family Ara-Vali supports has a story of courage, resilience, and the strength of community. Here is one of them.
Success story · May 2025
In 2009, Selvi's husband was forcibly disappeared during a period of intense conflict in Sri Lanka. Left to care for her two young children, Selvi faced continued challenges and hardship. In 2013, the family fled to Thailand, where without legal status they lived with uncertainty for over a decade.
Through Ara-Vali, Selvi and Anjali received financial assistance, legal sponsorship, and emotional encouragement. In May 2025, Valluvam proudly welcomed them as permanent residents of Canada — their arrival in Toronto marks not just a successful resettlement, but a story of courage and the strength of community.
Many more families continue to face similar struggles. Valluvam remains committed to reaching them — step by step — with compassion, support, and hope for a better future.
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Every donation to Ara-Vali directly supports Tamil refugees navigating impossible circumstances — with legal aid, education, healthcare, and community.
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