Marking 13 years since the genocide in Mullivaikkal, British politicians from across the political aisle have called to redouble efforts for justice and accountability.
Leader of the UK Labour party and Opposition leader, Sir Keir Starmer QC, called for Sri Lanka to be referred to the International Criminal Court noting that "the perpetrators of these atrocities still have not been brought to justice".
Today we join with the Tamil and all communities across Sri Lanka, the UK and across the world commemorating those who lost their lives in Sri Lanka’s armed conflict. The British government will continue to press for truth, accountability & justice for victims and their families pic.twitter.com/81ScCyxYDK
— Lord (Tariq)Ahmad of Wimbledon (@tariqahmadbt) May 18, 2022
In a video message on the 13th anniversary of the Mullivaikkal genocide, Lord Ahmad, UK Minister for South Asia, North Africa, the United Nations, and the Commonwealth, stressed that “Truth, justice, and accountability remain a primary focus” for the UK.
MP for Carshalton & Wallington Elliot Colburn and the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) affirms his support for Tamils' fight for justice and accountability and calls for the UK to “introduce sanctions on those credibly accused of war crimes”.
Sam Tarry, MP for Ilford South, detailed how Sri Lanka's economic crisis is intrinsically linked to its excessive military budget and repression of Tamils. For the island to be at peace, Tarry stressed the need for Sri Lanka to respect the rights of Tamils to self-determination.
"We must never forget what happened to these people".
"We must bring to account those who were responsible".
Minister for Small Business, Consumers, and Labour Markets, and Minister for London, Paul Scully, has released a video in which he stressed that the “last 13 years have not seen an end to the anguish, frustration, violence, and disappearances”.
“The Tamil diaspora right across the world is left with plenty of questions unanswered. A lack of confidence, a lack of trust. They want answers before they can move on to reconciliation”.
He concluded by stating:
“We must commemorate those who died but in the name of those who died we must redouble our efforts to create a lasting legacy in Sri Lanka where Tamils feel safe in Sri Lanka so they can rebuild the island economically and socially”.
Rt Hon Theresa Villiers PC MP, Vice Chair of the APPG for Tamils #Mullaivaikal #Genocide Remembrance Day message. pic.twitter.com/2CUiePBJEf
— British Tamil Conservatives (@BTConservatives) May 18, 2022
Theresa Villiers MP, Chipping Barnet, market the occasion stating:
"We must never forget what happened to these people. We must bring into account those who were responsible. It saddens me that even now, human rights concerns are still apparent in Sri Lanka and indeed, there is evidence of the human rights situation deteriorating"
Robert Halfon, MP for Harlow, called for the recognition of the Tamil genocide.
‘It was genocide against the Tamils [...] We should remember this event each year just as we remember other genocides. It should be recognised across the world. Tamils deserve justice and self-determination' - @halfon4harlowMP pic.twitter.com/yjj6RdNYLZ
— Tamil Guardian (@TamilGuardian) May 18, 2022