On Saturday 20th June, around 100,000 People, including many Tamils, marched in Central London in support of the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka. The march was organised by the .British Tamil Forum.
There have been accusations of genocide having taken place in Sri Lanka in the last few months. So far this year, it is estimated that over 50,000 Tamils – mainly civilians - have lost their lives in a massive military onslaught by Sinhalese Sri Lankan government forces as the 26-year civil war was brought to a climax with the use of cluster bombs and shelling of civilian areas. Sri Lankan Armed Forces are also alleged to have used chemical weapons.
Over 280,000 displaced civilians are being held in prison camps – where conditions are reported to be dire, with poor sanitation, widespread diseases and a lack of adequate security. Amnesty International has received consistent reports of serious human rights violations, including enforced disappearance, extra-judicial executions and torture and sexual violence, including young girls being abducted from the camps.
Links:
March Reports: 1 | 2 | Short Film | Photos: 1 | 2 | 3
Parliament Square Protest Ends | Protest Against Sri Lankan President At Lords | Previous blockade of Parliament Sq by Tamils
Children inside the pen.
Three doctors who were working inside the last Tamil Tiger-held war zone were detained by the Sri Lankan Army & held on suspicion of collaborating with Tamil rebels. An email campaign has been launched to call for the release of Dr. Shanmugarajah, Dr. Varatharajah and Dr Sathiyamoorthy.
On 4th June, the Sri Lankan authorities refused entry to a humanitarian aid ship carrying vital supplies of food and medical aid for Tamil victims of the recent conflict.
Despite massive international pressure, on Wed 27th May, the United Nations Human Rights Council refused calls to investigate allegations of war crimes by both sides.
Meanwhile, ongoing repression of independent media & of government critics continues.
More Info:
Historical background to the Ethnic conflict between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil population on the former British colony:1 | 2
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