UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "pleased" his government had placed sanctions on Sri Lankan war criminals, as he released a message ahead of Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day on Sunday.
In a statement sent to the Tamil Guardian, Starmer wrote that "acknowledgement and accountability" is required for past atrocities, as he joined Tamils and others around the world to "commemorate those who who were killed and experienced widespread human rights abuses" in the armed conflict.
The statement comes as the Tamil nation marks 16 years since the genocide at Mullivaikkal in 2009, where the Sri Lankan government intentionally shelled tens of thousands of Tamils that were trapped in government designated 'No Fire Zones'. Throughout the armed conflict, Sri Lanka committed unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, torture and sexual violence against Tamils and ramped up its military offensive in the final months of the conflict.
Starmer also noted that his government imposed targeted sanctions on four individuals implicated in “serious human rights violations” earlier this year, stating that he was "pleased" at the move.
"This solemn day is a reminder of the need to continue to pursue justice and peace," Starmer added.
Read his full statement below:
"Today we mark the anniversary of the end of the conflict in Sri Lanka. Tamils and other communities gather in Sri Lanka and around the world to commemorate those who were killed and experienced widespread human rights abuses in the Sri Lankan war. I join you in remembering Tamil and all victims and stand with survivors and loved ones who continue to live with the memory and consequences of the atrocities.
We know that for communities to move forward together requires acknowledgement and accountability for past atrocities. This time last year, I wrote that we must bring the perpetrators to justice. I am pleased, therefore, that we recently imposed targeted sanctions on individuals implicated in human rights violations during the war in support of this aim.
This solemn day is a reminder of the need to continue to pursue justice and peace. We are working constructively with the new government in Sri Lanka as well as civil society organisations and political leaders in the North of Sri Lanka to achieve lasting reconciliation and stability."
Past statements from Keir Starmer
In 2024, whilst Leader of the Opposition, Starmer released a message commemorate the “15th year Mullivaikkal Genocide Remembrance Day,” paying tribute to the tens of thousands of Tamils killed in 2009.
“Mullivaikkal must also be a reminder that as well as commemorating those who are lost, we must bring the perpetrators of atrocities to justice,” he said. “As Tamil communities across our country pause and reflect upon this solemn day, the Labour Party reaffirms our commitment to work towards lasting peace, reconciliation and a long-lasting political solution for the Tamil people.”
Read more: UK Labour Leader releases statement for ‘Mullivaikkal Genocide Remembrance Day’
Earlier that year, Starmer released a statement for the Tamil festival of Thai Pongal stating it was also a “time for us to remember the sacrifices made by the Tamil people for self determination, peace and justice in Sri Lanka”.
In May 2023, on the 14th anniversary of the Mullivaikkal genocide, Starmer released a statement that said,
"As Tamil communities across our country pause and reflect upon this solemn day, the Labour Party reaffirms our commitment to secure justice for those Tamil victims who lost their lives, as well as the survivors and their families by urging the government to consider the recommendation of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for an international justice mechanism".
At the time, then Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has urged the British government to act upon the recommendations of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and refer Sri Lankan war criminals to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Read more: UK Shadow Foreign Secretary calls for Sri Lanka to be referred to ICC
In May 2022, Starmer 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".
“The Labour Party stands with the Tamil community as we pause and reflect on this day,” he said. “Today, the Labour Party recommits to securing justice for the families of those who died and the survivors who suffered such grave human rights violations. We urge the UK Government to stand with the Tamils and heed the recommendations of the UN High Commissioner to refer the perpetrators of atrocities to the International Criminal Court.”
Read more: British MP’s mark Mullivaikkal remembrance, Labour leader calls for Sri Lanka to be sent to ICC