Visiting Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney today expressed concern over accountability, human rights and lack of political solutions in Sri Lanka. He also said these factors are reasons for an influx of immigrants to Canada.

If Sri Lanka does not address issues related to human rights, accountability, political reconciliation, resettlement and judicial independence, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will keep away from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka, he said.
 

Minister Kenney said Prime Minister Harper had sternly emphasized that Canada would not compromise on its stance of maintaining superficial alliances with partner countries.
“We will not go along, to get along”, he said.
 

The minister said the lack of progress in the areas of human rights, accountability, a political solution to the national question and resettlement was acting as a catalyst for human smuggling activities and was forcing Sri Lankans to seek asylum overseas.
 

“The lack of progress in achieving a political solution, accountability for crimes committed during the last stages of the war, resettlement and human rights issues are some of the factors that are compelling individuals to seek asylum in Canada and this is an area of profound concern for Canada,” he said.
 

The minister said the deteriorating situation in the country was demonstrated by the increase in the number of illegal asylum seekers to Australia and Canada, in the post war period.
“There are more people trying to enter Canada and Australia through illegal means now, than during the period of the conflict – this is a demonstration of the worsening situation,” he said.

 

http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/24799-hr-violations-still-taking-place-in-sl-canada.html

to Kenney.J@parl.gc.ca
cc min.dfaitmaeci@international.gc.ca

 

The Honorable Jason Kenney,
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1L1

January 7, 2013

 

 

Dear Hon. Minister Jason Kenney:

Re: HR violations still taking place in SL-Canada

 

 

I welcome your speech in Colombo where you had expressed Sri Lanka's violations of basic Human Rights. And like in any state, the minorities are hard hit by these violations.

 

Despite many assurances political solution for ethnic problem remain elusive. Only international pressure can only be fruitful. And for that we need a collective steps with real strings attached.

 

Yours truly,

Friends,

In Sri Lanka I stressed the need for accountability for war crimes, real political reconciliation and respect for human rights. http://bit.ly/10a56N6

As always, please feel free to share this e-mail with friends and family. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Hon. Jason Kenney, PC, MP
Calgary Southeast
www.JasonKenney.ca