US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been urged to “leverage US leadership within the United Nations” and advocate for the rights of the Eelam Tamils to self-determination, by a group of ten members of congress this week.
“We write to bring to your attention the ongoing and unresolved plight of the Eelam Tamils in Sri Lanka,” said the letter to Secretary Blinken.
As we approach the 15th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s war, we sent a letter urging @SecBlinken to address the plight of Eelam Tamils in Sri Lanka. Justice and self-determination are paramount. pic.twitter.com/cOaSgArhBx
— Congressman Don Davis (@RepDonDavis) March 29, 2024
“Current land appropriations in traditional Tamil areas are further eroding the Tamil homeland, which remains a non-self-governing territory. The government’s use of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act against political critics, dissidents, and human rights defenders continues to violate the rights of Sri Lankans, including Tamils.”
“Holding perpetrators accountable and enabling the Tamil population to democratically determine their future in line with the United Nations Charter and U.S. principles is essential for reconciliation and progress in Sri Lanka,” the letter continued.
“The U.S. must seek a solution to this lingering issue. In line with our support for self-determination in Ukraine, Kosovo, East Timor, South Sudan, etc., it is imperative that we consistently apply our principles worldwide.”
It concluded by calling on Blinken and the US State Department to;
1. Advocate for the rights of the Eelam Tamils to self-determination and back a universally accepted democratic process of referendum to resolve the issue based on their rights as per international laws.
2. Support comprehensive international investigations and accountability for war crimes and human rights abuses against civilians during the war, following recommendations from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Such an investigation could include
an examination of whether genocide was committed.3. Leverage U.S. leadership within the United Nations—including the General Assembly, Security Council, and Human Rights Council—to promote independent judicial proceedings and potentially refer allegations to the International Criminal Court for prosecution.
Read the full letter and see all the signatories here.
We need your support
Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Tamil journalists are particularly at threat, with at least 41 media workers known to have been killed by the Sri Lankan state or its paramilitaries during and after the armed conflict.
Despite the risks, our team on the ground remain committed to providing detailed and accurate reporting of developments in the Tamil homeland, across the island and around the world, as well as providing expert analysis and insight from the Tamil point of view
We need your support in keeping our journalism going. Support our work today.
For more ways to donate visit https://donate.tamilguardian.com.