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Sri Lanka's diaspora ban has 'no legal effect in Canada' says Foreign Affairs Minister

Expressing concern about the Sri Lankan government's proscription of 16 Tamil diaspora groups and 424 individuals for alleged terrorist links, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister reiterated that "Sri Lanka's action has no legal effect in Canada".

"It does not constrain the freedom of listed groups and individuals to lawfully express their views in Canada," he wrote in a statement issued Wednesday together with the Minister of State, Lynne Yelich.

"However, Canadians targeted by this list could be subject to possible questioning, detention or arrest by authorities in Sri Lanka," the statement went on to say.

Reiterating the diaspora's "important role" in Sri Lanka's post-conflict reconciliation process, the ministers warned that the Sri Lankan government's actions could "further hinder progress on reconciliation" that process.

The full statement has been reproduced below:

“We are concerned by the Government of Sri Lanka’s listing of 16 entities and 424 individuals for purported links to terrorist activities, including some with ties to Canada.

“Sri Lanka’s action has no legal effect in Canada: it does not constrain the freedom of listed groups and individuals to lawfully express their views in Canada. However, Canadians targeted by this list could be subject to possible questioning, detention or arrest by authorities in Sri Lanka.

“Diaspora communities play an important role in Sri Lanka’s post-conflict reconciliation process. This action by the Sri Lankan government could further hinder progress on reconciliation. While we may share concerns about some of those listed, we remind the Government of Sri Lanka that it must ensure any measure taken to combat terrorism complies with its obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law.

“The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of terrorism. Under the provisions of the Criminal Code, Canada included the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam on its list of terrorist entities in 2006 and added the World Tamil Movement to the list in 2008.”

A spokesperson from Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development (DFATD) told Tamil Guardian earlier this month:

“We are concerned about the motives of the Government of Sri Lanka in taking this action and regret that this will not help advance genuine post-conflict reconciliation, a process in which diaspora communities have an important role to play."

"We are particularly concerned about the effect of this order on freedom of speech and association in Sri Lanka," (See more here).


See related articles:

UK, Australia and Canada caution Tamil citizens over Sri Lanka's terror laws after diaspora bans (13 Apr 2014)

'Sri Lankan regime’s attempt to silence legitimate criticism is unacceptable' - Canada's Liberal party (12 Apr 2014)

Canadian government pledges to work towards Tamil community's peace and security (07 Apr 2014)

Diaspora orgs proscription should not be used to stifle free speech and legitimate criticism, UK tells Sri Lanka (02 Apr 2014)

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