End of conflict brings no respite to children from human rights abuses
Despite the end of hostilities, children in Sri Lanka continue to be at risk of forced recruitment, arbitrary detention and other human rights abuses, the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers (Coalition) said today. In a new briefing to the Security Council Working Group (Working Group) on Children and Armed Conflict, the Coalition urged the Sri Lankan authorities to act immediately to protect conflict-affected children.
Sri Lanka Unlikely to Meet Commitment to Resettle Bulk of Nearly 300,000 Internally Displaced Persons Within 180 days
In the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s deadly war, Sri Lanka committed to resettling the bulk of internally displaced persons (IDPs) within 180 days. As the resettlement period approaches the 60?day mark, the Canadian Tamil Congress is releasing the first of its monthly situation reports tracking Sri Lanka’s progress in freeing and resettling its nearly 300,000 IDPs.
HRC resolve to assist Sri Lanka in the promotion and protection of human rights
UN Human Rights Council today wrapped up its special session on Sri Lanka, adopting a resolution urging the Government to continue strengthening its activities to ensure that there is no discrimination against ethnic minorities.
The 47-member body also welcomed the Sri Lankan authorities’ resolve to start a broader dialogue with all parties, in order to bring about lasting peace and development in Sri Lanka, based on consensus among and respect for the rights of all the ethnic and religious groups inhabiting it.
HRC urged to set up an International Commission of Inquiry
“This special session arrives late, but it can still be useful, on a single condition: that it ensures that the Human Rights Council set up an International Commission of Inquiry with a mandate to investigate allegations of violations of International Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and make recommendations on ways and means to address the continuing impunity that exists in Sri Lanka.” Arjunan Ethirveerasingam said on behalf of ‘Liberation’ at the United Nations Special Session on Sri Lanka.
War crimes committed in the massacre of unarmed LTTE officials: S. Pathmanathan
LTTE’s International Relations Head S. Pathmanathan in a statement today (Tuesday) has rejected Colombo’s claim that LTTE national leader V. Pirapaharan has been killed and assured the whole world that the LTTE Chief is alive and safe.
He has also criticised Colombo for killing the political wing leaders unarmed B. Nadesan and S. Puleedevan. Mr. Pathmanathan while advancing with white flags, which is a crime against humanity that needs to be investigated.
We will fight for freedom will continue as long as the Tamil rights are denied – Tamil Eelam Government
The LTTE on Monday recognized and welcomed a refreshing attitude in US, different from the other countries. It pleaded the Sri Lanka government to listen to international opinion, to stop the war and enter into negotiations. But at the same time it warned Colombo of dire consequences if the war is continued. “ The LTTE and the fight for our freedom will also continue. The methods may vary but Sri Lanka will never be able to live in peace as it imagines a military victory will bring. However, for the record the LTTE would like to emphasize again that it is always ready to explore peaceful means to resolve the conflict”, the LTTE statement issued from the political headquarters in Vanni, read.
Appeal to UN: visit conflict area and acquaint you of the situation
The Tamils across the world had come together and in one voice expressed their fear and grievances and pleaded for the ‘right to life’ of the Tamils in their own places. The international community cannot ignore the voice since more than 80% of the Tamil Diaspora are united and asking their demands. The humanitarian situation in north started deteriorating rapidly from October 2008 at a steady pace, had the UN addressed the issue at the right time the current holocaust could have been avoided. But every time UN said that they do not have reliable information to act.
Global campaign to pray for Sri Lanka
Leading Christian human rights organisations worldwide are launching a global campaign to pray for the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka. More than 50,000 people have been killed in the long-running civil war between the government and Tamil separatists. The latest push by the army to defeat the Tamil Tigers has driven thousands from their homes and trapped some 200,000 civilians in the conflict zone. Relief agencies say it is increasingly difficult to reach civilians displaced by the conflict.
Nonsense if thinking of eradicate LTTE – Vickramabhu Karunaratne
It will be nonsense to think of eradicating the LTTE, writes Vickramabahu Karunaratne in a recent article highlighting the need for alternative thinking. “In the case of the LTTE, it represents the real anger of the Tamil people against discrimination, humiliation and oppression by Sinhala chauvinism. It was and is wrong to the hilt in hating Tamil society for its demand for equality and self-determination. All global capitalist powers including India will be forced to repent in time to come for their aggressive participation in human suffering of this order. The LTTE cannot be blamed for not surrendering to the Sinhala army of the chauvinist regime,” he writes.
TNA urges International Community to act fast for ceasefire in Sri Lanka
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in an urgent press release issued today (Sunday) it is alarmed by the dramatic rise in Tamil civilian casualties over the last two weeks. It said over 4,100 Tamil civilians have been killed and over 8,800 gravely injured within the four months of this year.
