Tamils Demand Justice at UNHRC Protest in Geneva

Tamils protested at the UNHRC in Geneva, demanding justice for the Tamil genocide and liberation of Tamil Eelam. The protest highlighted Sri Lanka’s human rights record as activists detailed violations including land grabs and enforced disappearances. With international criticism of Sri Lanka’s inaction, the demonstration emphasized the need for accountability and solidarity in the Tamil cause.

On Monday, hundreds of Tamil activists, youth, and members of the diaspora convened outside the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. They demanded international recognition and justice for the genocide of Tamils and the liberation of what they term occupied Tamil Eelam. This demonstration coincided with the UNHRC’s review of Sri Lanka’s human rights record during its 58th session.

Organized by Tamil organizations throughout Europe, the protest aimed to highlight Sri Lanka’s ongoing human rights violations and the inability of successive governments to provide justice for the war crimes perpetrated against Tamils. The Swiss Tamil Coordination Committee, alongside the Swiss Tamil Youth Organization, submitted a memorandum to the UN Human Rights Committee detailing these violations.

Activists engaged in a 30-minute discourse, elucidating continuing issues faced by Tamils, including land appropriation, enforced disappearances, militarization, and restrictions on memorialization. They called upon UN officials to exert pressure on Sri Lanka, urging the implementation of international accountability mechanisms to address the longstanding impunity of the Sri Lankan state.

The protest commenced with the ceremonial lighting of a torch and the raising of the Tamil Eelam national flag by Mr. Raghuram, a Tamil activist from Switzerland. Participants carried banners and chanted slogans advocating for Tamil self-determination, showcasing the solidarity and resolve of the Tamil community.

Numerous speeches were delivered in various languages, including English, French, German, and Italian, highlighting the systematic oppression faced by Tamils and the crucial need for global solidarity in their quest for justice. Members of the Tamil Youth Organization (TYO) from across Europe took an oath on stage, committing themselves to the enduring Tamil struggle for justice and liberation.

This protest emerged concurrently with the UN Human Rights Council’s assessment of Sri Lanka’s human rights situation, with various international voices criticizing the Sri Lankan government’s inadequate measures to address accountability and impunity. Although Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has claimed a shift towards a new political direction, the ongoing militarization of the Tamil homeland, alongside the rejection of international accountability and continued persecution of Tamil activists, reflects persistent challenges in the region.

In summary, the protest outside the UNHRC in Geneva highlighted the urgent call for international justice regarding the Tamil genocide. Activists underscored the need for accountability mechanisms to address Sri Lanka’s ongoing human rights violations, reinforcing global solidarity in the Tamil struggle for liberation. The event affirmed the determination of Tamils to seek justice amidst persistent injustices.

Original Source: www.tamilguardian.com