The leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party called for “accountability for those responsible for the genocide” in a message released to mark Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day on Friday.
Jagmeet Singh said “tens of thousands of innocent lives were tragically lost in unspeakable acts of violence and genocide”.
“The trauma of the conflict and loss of life is an intergenerational struggle that the Tamil community in Canada and around the world continue to deal with,” he added. “Despite this historical trauma, the Tamil community’s resiliency has ensured that their people and culture not only live on, but thrive here in Canada.”
“I also reaffirm my call to the Government of Sri Lanka to seek accountability for those responsible for the genocide, and pursue justice for the survivors and their families. Truth telling and accountability must be priotized, the absence of either is indicative of an ongoing human rights violations that stifles a sustainable peace.”
“We must continue to seek justice for the families and survivors, and build a world where we confront human rights violations, challenge persecution, and do everything we can to ensure that it never happens again.”
Read the full text of his statement here.