Following the Canadian federal parliament’s recognition of the Tamil Genocide, US Democratic Representative Deborah Ross has called for the international community, and particularly the US, to follow Canada's lead in recognising the Tamil genocide and deliver justice and accountability Tamil survivors.
“Today is a sad day but it’s also an important day because the Canadian Parliament recognized Tamil genocide and it is important that the international community including the United States follow suit,” she said during her speech during a Tamil genocide remembrance event organized by Tamil Americans United on May 18th.
Canada’s House of Commons unanimously adopted a motion recognizing May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, a landmark motion making Canada the first national parliament in the world to recognize the Tamil genocide.
During her speech, Ross also mentions impunity in Sri Lanka as the state continues to reward war criminals and genocidaires with appointments to more influential positions in the Sri Lankan government. “The current Sri Lankan administration has turned a blind eye to past abuses elevating individuals implicated in war crimes to senior government positions and as we know Sri Lanka is in a complete disarray because of their inability to govern”
Ross also urges using the current Sri Lankan economic crisis as a moment to further mobilize in demanding justice for victims of the Tamil genocide. “Now more than ever we need strong American leadership to rally the international community to promote peace, justice and accountability in Sri Lanka. This crisis could mark a decisive turning point for Sri Lanka but only if our government continues to elevate the Tamil community and the legitimate demands for justice”
Deborah Ross is the first elected congress member in the United States to acknowledge the Tamil genocide. Ross was involved in introducing house resolution 413 honouring the lives lost and expressing support for key reforms in Sri Lanka to ensure a lasting and peaceful political solution. She was also involved in a hearing with the Tom Lantos human rights commission last December exposing the atrocities of the Sri Lankan military.
For her full keynote speech during the Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day event organized by Tamil Americans United watch here.
For her full message to Tamil Americans on Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day watch here.
