FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2012
May 2012 will mark the third year remembrance of the Tamil genocide. During May of 2009, the genocidal acts of a systematic genocide that was being implemented by successive Sri-Lankan Governments escalated.
Since 2009, there have been increasing evidence such as video footage, photos, satellite images, war witnesses, findings of unexploded bombs which prove the credible allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity that have been made by several human rights organizations. These reports and findings find that there was indeed an increased use of heavy weapons, shelling of Tamil civilians in Government declared “safe zones”, sexual abuse, and deliberate denial of food and medicine to Tamil civilians.
According to records of the Sri-Lankan Government Agent offices of Mullaiththeevu and Ki’linochchi districts, the population of Vanni was 429,059 persons in October 2008. The total number of people who were admitted into Sri-Lankan Government control after the war was 282,380, according to UN update as of 10 July 2009. 146,679 people have not been accounted for. Catholic Bishop of Mannaar, Rt. Rev. Dr. Rayappu Joseph sent a submission to the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Committee, he is quoted saying, “Due clarification should be made regarding what happened to 146,679 people, which is the discrepancy between the number of people who came to government controlled areas between October 2008.” The 146,679 people who have not been accounted, are likely to be victims of May Massacre. This number is in accordance with local estimates of the death toll in May 2009.
The final months of the war were pushed into international headlines through the mobilization of protesters in major cities around the world. A call for intervention in the massacre of Tamil civilians fell on deaf ears which as a result allowed for the government to continue its ruthless military offence.
The Human Rights Advocacy Council of CTYA joins with our members, friends, and families in commemorating the lost lives of thousands of people. We remember our relatives, friends, and brethren that were killed. We continue to urge the Canadian government along with other countries that uphold human rights as a priority, to bring forth the perpetrators and individuals responsible for the genocide of the Tamils.
May marks a month that we as a community take the time to remember the victims massacred and heal together as a community. By continuing to voice our stories, opinions, and facts, we are moving on a path that will enable us to get justice for the lost lives.
In Solidarity,
Human Rights Advocacy Council of CTYA
Tags: News
