The ICEP report, 'Island of Impunity', by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, published today underscores the reason why an urgent international investigation is needed said Tamils across the world.
Speaking to the Tamil Guardian, Suren Surendiran of the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) said,
Ms. Manoranjan said,
Speaking to the Tamil Guardian, Suren Surendiran of the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) said,
"This report is the latest in a mounting body of evidence which shows that the Sri Lankan government's mass killing of the Tamil people in the Vanni was planned and deliberate."Tasha Manoranjan of PEARL, a US based advocacy organisation, told the Tamil Guardian that they welcomed the report for its "thorough overview of the widespread and systematic crimes committed by the Sri Lankan government against the Tamils," and particularly for its acknowledgement that these crimes could constitute genocide if the additional elements of this crime are found in subsequent investigations.
"This is exactly why many within the Tamil community have insisted it's a genocide, and so therefore, it is welcome that the report, along side an increasing number of international experts, calls for an investigation into possible genocidal acts," he added.
Ms. Manoranjan said,
"The crime against humanity of persecution, which is raised in the report, rises to the level of genocide when committed with the intent to destroy a particular group, and here, it is painfully apparent that the Sri Lankan government's acts were committed with the intent to destroy the Vanni Tamils,"
"In recognising the intentional nature of attacks against Tamil civilians and the intent behind depriving the community of food and medical aid, the report presents evidence showing that the Sri Lankan government's actions were calculated to inflict as much death and destruction as possible."
"This report essentially provides a prima facie case for concluding that the Sri Lankan government committed genocide against Tamils."Calling for an international investigation into the crimes outlined in the report as a matter of absolute urgency, Mr Surendiran of the GTF noted,
"As the report highlights, the government is rapidly destroying evidence of these crimes. This is why, as we head towards the UN Human Rights Council session next month, we cannot afford any further delays."Sharing the GTF's sense of urgency, Ms. Manoranjan of PEARL said,
"An international investigation is essential and the process must begin now," he stressed.
"As the report concludes, ongoing impunity for these crimes emboldens the government to continue perpetrating attacks against the Tamil population."
"This is a clear call to action to the UN Human Rights Council: an international investigation into Sri Lanka's genocide is urgently needed."
"As the world waits, Tamil suffering continues."