In a landmark resolution, the Working Group of Young Socialists in the SPD (also known as Jusos), the youth organisation of Germany's ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD), officially recognised the genocide against Eelam Tamils in Sri Lanka.
The decision, passed on 24 November 2024 at the Jusos Federal Congress in Halle, Germany, marks a significant step in international acknowledgment of the atrocities committed against the Tamil people.
The resolution explicitly declares that the systematic violence against Eelam Tamils, particularly during the final stages of Sri Lanka’s armed conflict in 2009, constitutes genocide. Drawing from evidence provided by United Nations reports and the NGO PEARL’s Justice for Genocide documentation, the resolution highlighted the deliberate and calculated nature of the atrocities.
Key points from the resolution include:
The deaths and disappearances of 169,796 Eelam Tamils.
The majority of casualties occurred within government-declared ceasefire zones.
Systematic use of torture and sexual violence as weapons of war.
Over 300,000 Tamil civilians forcibly corralled into “No Fire Zones” that were subsequently attacked.
The ongoing denial of justice, which continues to impact survivors and their families.
The resolution specifically referenced the atrocities at Mullivaikal, where civilians in designated “No Fire Zones” were targeted, and condemned the Sri Lankan government for the calculated violence and its continuing denial of accountability.
The Jusos urged the German Federal Government to take decisive action, including:
Officially recognising the Tamil genocide in the German Parliament.
Supporting international prosecution of war crimes.
Advocating for justice and accountability mechanisms.
Supporting documentation and preservation of evidence.
Strengthening protection for Tamil war survivors and witnesses.
Speaking about the resolution, Thevagar Mohanadhasan, Vice Chairman of the German Socialist Youth, stated:
“Fifteen years ago, tens of thousands of Tamils tragically lost their lives during the terrifying chain of violence that we now recognise as genocide. To this day, many more remain missing, injured, or displaced. With this resolution, we honour the victims, survivors, and their loved ones, who continue to live on with the lasting pain caused by this incomparable violence.”
The Jusos, with over 70,000 members, are Germany’s largest political youth organisation and play a pivotal role in shaping policy for the SPD. Their resolutions often influence federal politics, with several Jusos members currently holding government positions.
This decision reflects growing international momentum toward recognising the Tamil genocide.
