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GTF ‘dismayed’ at further time given to Sri Lanka

The Global Tamil Forum has expressed its disappointment at the resolution passed at the UN Human Rights Council.

Asked by the Tamil Guardian for the organisation's reaction to the resolution, spokesperson Suren Surendiran said that the organisation expressed appreciation for the countries that supported the passing of the resolution, but it would have liked to have seen a stronger text that included a “political solution for the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil people” and underlined the need for an independent international investigation.

“GTF is dismayed that the US and others knowing the real ground reality have still given further time to the alleged war criminals to investigate themselves,” Mr Surendiran said.

“A stronger resolution should have also demanded a political solution for the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil people which remain unresolved for over 65 years, as well as called for an international independent investigation to establish the truth and to serve justice to the victims,

“GTF would also like to highlight that this resolution does not address the legitimate grievances of Tamils on the ground who continue to face government sponsored land grabs, sinhalisation and militarisation of civilian life, which threatens normal life on a daily basis.

"GTF appreciates the efforts of the US Administration for keeping the call for accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, in an international inter-governmental forum, like the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). We are also thankful to rest of the thirty nine countries who co-sponsored the resolution at the UNHRC."

For full response please see here.

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