18 August 2010: Comments made by the Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty today, when asked by about Immigration in Toronto.

QUESTION: Premier, some comments have been made in the race for mayor that the City of Toronto should close its doors to immigrants because it has enough trouble taking care of the 2.5 million people who live here. Do you think that’s a very Canadian comment?

PREMIER MCGUINTY: Well, let me just say this. There are a group of people who’ve arrived in a boat on the west coast. I think we should ask ourselves what it is that we owe these people. They’re coming here because they despair for their future and the future of their children, in their home country. And they come here with a sense of hope, because they believe that they might find an opportunity here. I think what we owe them is to receive them with open hearts and open minds. It’s been said that there may be some people there who are dangerous to us, and that may be so. But I don’t think we should approach this with any bias, presumptions, assumptions or prejudices. I think what we owe those people is fairness. And if there are mischief-makers or dangerous people there, we will find them out and we will deal with them appropriately. But again, I think our mindset when it comes to these kinds of things is to approach those folks in a Canadian way. Just something else that I would ask you to ask yourself and all of us to ask ourselves, is: how far back do we have to go, when we consider our parents, some of us here, our parents, our grandparents, our great-grandparents, who were received in that Canadian way, that is, with open hearts and open minds. Something to add. We are blessed with 120,000 new Canadians every year in this province. We are the leading receiver of new Canadians, and I am very proud to say that. And, with time and with opportunity, if you take a look at what happens to those families, with time and with opportunity, they are some of our very best students, some of our very best politicians, some of our very best professionals, some of our very best folks in the arts and sports and all the sectors. So let’s understand who we are, and we approach these things with open hearts and open minds.

=================================

I am white, of Christian background and Anglo-Saxon descent. My great-grandmother was born in Canada but everyone else in my family came from elsewhere. When I went to high school, there was one black kid and numerous Chinese kids but everyone else was … like me.

Like most Canadians, I have followed the journey, or rather the end of the journey, of the people from Sri Lanka. Most of my fascination comes from what I perceive as not only their desperation, but their deep courage.

If it were my decision, I would welcome all of them to Canada and insist that the price of their entry is to prove that, without exception, they can and will be exemplary citizens. To do so, they must be given a chance. Most of us have come from elsewhere; many of us have come from nothing. Reject those who do not rise to the challenge but at least give them an opportunity.

Deborah Harding, Toronto

August 20, 2010, Letters to the Editor

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/aug-20-letters-to-the-editor/article1679026/

===================================

Fact: Sri Lanka is an island, you can’t just put on a knapsack and cross a border. The nearest country is India which isn’t a signatory to the refugee convention.

Fact: Thousands of Tamils have gone to India there and ended up in detention centres for years.

Fact: Thailand and Indonesia aren’t signatories either.

Fact: Smuggling is illegal and exploitative but every person with the forces of the state at their heels have to pay to travel.

Fact: Sri Lanka is nowhere near reconcilation with its Tamil minority.

Fact : Sri Lanka has been doing everything to consolidate the identity of Sri lanka as an ethnic Sinhalese state. That’s why people are leaving.

Solution: There’s no law-and-order remedy, just a political one: sanctioning Sri Lanka.

=====================================

I have again realized Canada is a great big place with nobody in it, having just returned from a “skate” through Atlantic Canada and a visit to the Pacific coast. We need to foster immigration to fill in the gaps, not inhibit it!

Immigrants, rather than being a drain, very quickly create greater wealth for everyone. Witness the English, the Irish, the Ukrainians, following the French. Witness the Italians, East and South Asians — thriving, all. Witness the culture added by the Haitians in Montreal and the Islanders everywhere. Witness more recently the entrepreneurship of the Persians, Russians, Bosnians and Afghanis (do, please, fly your kites). Welcome all. Our economy grows after every wave.

Canada, don't be worried and don’t listen to Mr. Harper and his baying dogs, evidently taking their script from the fear-mongering, talking-T-bags. We have nothing to lose but a few, mostly empty acres and everything to gain by opening our doors to the world. It surely needs the safety valve.

We have the room, the resources and the ability. I believe we have the goodwill, too — it’s part of us, ever since the Underground Railroad.

If only our leaders could muster the vision to fulfill this multicultural dream, instead of appealing to base fears, pandering to ignorance in search of quick votes.

Chris Way, Mississauga

http://www.thestar.com/opinion/article/850729--lots-of-room-for-everybody

---------------------------

Lessons from the past

I applaud Rod Mickleburgh for his article Let’s Stop The Posturing About Prospective Refugees (Aug. 20). Let us not forget the decision of former prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King when the MS St. Louis asked permission to dock in the Canadian safe harbour of Halifax in 1939. The boat was carrying more than 900 German Jews trying to escape persecution by the Nazis. Mackenzie King rejected the request and the boat returned to Europe. Many on the boat eventually perished during the Second World War.

I think of all the lost potential. Those people, and their children and grandchildren, would likely be contributing in significant ways as Canadians. Who knows, but perhaps some of them would have discovered a cure for serious medical conditions. Maybe they would have harnessed alternate forms of energy or new food sources to save our planet, or been brilliant artists, architects, engineers, scientists, musicians, actors and professors – or even become prime minister.

Accept the Tamil refugees. Encourage Canadians to open their hearts and their minds. We cannot even fathom those brave Tamils’ futures right now.

Diana Zoe Coop, North Vancouver, B.C.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/letters-to-the-editor/aug-23-letters-to-the-editor/article1681548/

-------------------------------------------------

Re: PM vows to toughen human smuggling laws, Aug. 18

There has been some talk that we should have never let the Tamils land. I, for one, am proud that Canada received them. History is full of stories about boats full of desperate people that were refused entry by various countries and then perished.

In 1939 Canada refused entry to 900 German Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. The refugees returned to Europe where many were killed during the Holocaust.

In hindsight, we know Canada made the wrong decision. In hindsight we know those people had good reason to flee. Without the benefit of hindsight, I’m glad we are taking the chance of erring on the side of generosity.

Whether they paid large amounts of money to come here or not, the Tamils were obviously desperate to leave their home. If we refused them and they met a tragic end, then their deaths would be on our conscious and in 50 years the Maritime Museum in Halifax would have another exhibit about a tragedy at sea.

Ellen Peters, Toronto

http://www.thestar.com/opinion/letters/article/851021--learning-history-s-lessons

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This past week Canadians have been subjected to wild rumours of disease rampant aboard the ship, and allegations that “terrorists” and “criminals” are about to run amok in the country. Many urged the Canadian navy to board the ship in international waters and send them on their way.

Bishop Gervais’s admonition notwithstanding, it would seem some have learned very little from our past. Of course people paid to get on the Tamil boat, just as they did to get on the Komagata Maru, the SS St Louis, and Kastner’s train for that matter…

I’m proudest as a Canadian when we’re setting the right standard for the world. We didn’t do it in 1914 for the Komagata Maru or in 1939 for the St Louis. Let’s get it right this time.

Bob Rae recalls the historical precedents for the MV Sun Sea.

Edited August 26, 201015 yr by akootha

எமது மக்களுக்கு ஆதரவாக ஒரு வெள்ளை இனத்தவரின் குரல்!

இன்று தமிழ்த்தேசியத்துக்காக நான் என்ன செய்தேன்? - August 22, 2010

வாசிக்கவேண்டியது:

மூதூர் படுகொலை -"விசாரணை தேவை"

http://www.virakesari.lk/news/head_view.asp?key_c=26428

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=73956

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=74018&st=0&p=602405&hl=மூதூரில்%20&fromsearch=1&#entry602405

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=74528&st=0&p=605903&hl=மூதூரில்%20&fromsearch=1&#entry605903

http://www.bbc.co.uk/tamil/news/story/2010/08/100819_amnestyintprobe.shtml

செய்யவேண்டியது:

===========================

to: sg@un.org

cc: info@equalitynow.org, secretary@state.gov, pirc@cpahq.org, ngochr@ohchr.org, Kontakt@info.diplo.de, imrv@humanrights.de, colombo.col@icrc.org, colombo.general@fco.gov.uk, colombo@unicef.org, secretariat@ncca.org.au, secretary@unicef.ca, den@un.org, info@amnesty.org.uk, secrt@ohchr.org, idp@ohchr.org

Secretary-General

The United Nations

1 United Nations Plaza

New York, New York 10017-3515

August 22, 2010

Dear Sir,

Sri Lanka: France to raise of the resolved murder of 17 ACF members, 4 years on

During the last few decades, Sri Lanka has seen the murders of thousands of innocent persons of all sexes, ages, and races which for some reason or other continue to remain unsolved. Murder is defined as the unlawful, malicious and intentional killing of one human being by another. When these murders are committed with the knowledge and participation of the government, which has the responsibility of safe guarding the life of its people, the laws governing justice for the people does not exist in that country or the government.

In civilized life, where social and political capacities distinguish man from animals, there are laws that have to be followed to avoid killings. The criminals responsible for the killings have to be flushed out and punished forth with in order to prevent the state from becoming lawless.

The massacre on August 5th 2006, of seventeen Non-Government Officers, working for the French Government in Moothur, remains unsolved, even though there was enough evidence produced to indict the members of the Sri Lankan Army. The case was first taken up in Trincomalee and transferred to Anuradapura and bullets taken from the bodies of the victims were sent to Australia to create the perception of a deep inquiry. This was ultimately included for inquiry by the Commission of International Independent Group of Eminent Persons- to then be finally dropped without any further action .

Sri Lanka has long failed to deliver justice to Tamils, making any hope of reconciliation impossible.

Thanks for your time.

தமிழர் தரப்புக்கு ஆதரவான அறிக்கைகளும், கருத்துக்களும் மற்றும் தொடர்புகளும்.

திகதி புரட்டாதி 1, 2010

=======================

Tamil boat people: Sanity expressed

Langley Advance August 31, 2010

Dear Editor,

Thanks for some sanity on the Tamil boat people [Tamils being met with racism, Aug. 27 Painful Truth, Langley Advance]. As Matthew Claxton says, there wouldn’t be such a fuss if they were Irish.

Do you remember how 500 Jewish refugees on the ship St Louis were turned away from Canada and the U.S. in 1939?

It was made into a film, “Voyage of the Damned.”

Tamils are the Jews of Sri Lanka. Thousands have been killed in numerous pogroms since the mid-1950s. Their safety is always uncertain.

If a boatload of Jews from Germany sought refuge in the 1920s, fearing the Nazis, should they have been turned away?

The situation is similar for Tamils. They fear the constant presence of Sinhala. They can visit their relatives in Sri Lanka, but can only stay there at their peril. They may be safe today, dead tomorrow.

Name withheld

http://www.langleyadvance.com/Tamil+boat+people+Sanity+expressed/3465407/story.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on - Winston Churchill

Did you know that refugees coming to Canada get more money from the federal government than our seniors do?

Isn’t that outrageous? I read it in an email. There’s only one problem – it is an absolute lie, an urban myth, a complete hoax.

But the email is persistent – it’s been circulating in cyberspace since one error in the Toronto Star newspaper in 2004.

And it says a lot about how easily manipulated Canadians are about refugees, how needlessly afraid many people are of foreigners and likely how some are simply racially prejudiced about non-Caucasians.

Sadly, the recent arrival in Victoria of a boatload of Tamil men, women and children from Sri Lanka seeking refugee status in Canada seems to have provoked another round of mythmaking and inflammatory comments. Janet Dench, executive director of the Canadian Council for Refugees, is extremely frustrated with the false email. “It’s in a broader context where there is an underlying level of xenophobia and speaks to people’s insecurities,” Dench said from the charity’s Montreal office. “Scapegoating foreigners is an easy solution.”

And that’s what the email does; targets seniors by saying they get less financial support than new refugee claimants.

The false email reads:

“Only in Canada ... It is interesting that the federal government provides a single refugee with a monthly allowance of $1,890 and each can get an additional $580 in social assistance for a total of $2,470.”

“This compares very well to a single pensioner who, after contributing to the growth and development of Canada for 40 or 50 years, can only receive a monthly maximum of $1,012 in old age pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement.”

“Maybe our pensioners should apply as refugees!” the email concludes. Or maybe not, since all the information in the email is bogus. Refugees do not get $2,470 a month – not even a quarter of that. A single employable refugee claimant in B.C. would get a maximum of just $610 monthly on social assistance – $235 for expenses and up to $375 for shelter.

Some refugees are eligible for a one-time only setup allowance of $905 for basic household items but that’s it.

Dench points out that most refugees help their new country, not hurt it. “Refugees contribute to the Canadian economy in many ways – most work and pay taxes. Some start businesses and employ Canadians,” she said.

But the hoaxers don’t care. The email has even surfaced in the U.S. and Australia, with the exact same wrong information and only the names of the nations changed.

“Obviously there are concerted efforts to circulate this email,” Dench says. The hoax email asks that we: “forward this to every Canadian you know.” Here’s a better idea – forward the truth.

http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/Columnists/NewsViewsAttitude/2010/08/31/15200866.html

=============================================

Editorial cartoon insults immigrants

To the Editor:

I was disturbed by The Independent's Aug. 25 cartoon disparaging immigrants. The majority of residents here are descendents of immigrants to Canada. Only Indigenous peoples did not arrive 'by boat.' Have we no memory of our own histories?

War, poverty, starvation, and assault are reasons for immigration. Victims deserve our support, survivors our respect.

Tamils particularly should be welcomed on our shores. Our government stood by and watched as the Sri Lankan army massacred Tamil civilians for months on end. We did nothing as bombs were dropped on Tamils huddled in makeshift tent camps. We do not demand Sri Lankan officials be tried internationally for war crimes.

We have been complicit in a racist assault on a people who once populated oil and resource-rich shores. Canada's wealthy partners now control those shores.

The least we can do is harbour those we've helped displace.

Leigh Thomson

Cramahe Township

http://www.northumberlandnews.com/opinion/article/161001

============================================

Immigration: New citizens serve us well

http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/866179--immigration-new-citizens-serve-us-well

Scratch a Canadian and you’ll likely find someone who believes that immigration has been a boon to this country. Roughly 80 per cent of us see a steady influx of newcomers as “a key positive” of life here, according to a recent Nanos Research poll.

Yet there are those who claim that Canada, with 33 million people, is incapable of taking in 250,000 people a year. The truth is, new citizens serve us well. Lately, however, some of our politicians having been stoking fears of immigrants for their own gain.

In Toronto, front-running mayoral candidate Rob Ford has argued that the city can’t cope now with its 2.5 million residents and suggested any more immigrants would be unwelcome. “Enough is enough,” he declared.

And in Ottawa, Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government has fanned fears about Tamil “terrorists” washing up on the west coast and elevated a routine refugee headache into a national panic attack. While playing chiefly to their law-and-order base, Conservative ministers like Vic Toews have sparked a broader immigration debate.

Given this political pot-stirring, the global recession and joblessness, the aftershocks of 9/11 and the changing face of immigration, it’s no surprise that some are feeling stressed. While Nanos found that 63 per cent of Toronto residents feel we’d benefit from more newcomers, 32 per cent disagree. That’s a significant minority.

But many of the same politicians who pander to that constituency also trip over themselves to celebrate Chinese New Year, Buddha’s birthday, Khalsa Day, Ramadan, Philippine Independence Day and Armenian Christmas. They want it both ways.

There is no denying that Canada faces new challenges, as Chinese, Indian, Filipino and Pakistani immigrants replace waves of British, Italians and other Europeans. Far from snatching the best jobs, as some once complained, many newcomers now face hard times. They are taking longer to adjust. Some struggle with a new culture and language. Many face barriers getting academic credentials and workplace experience recognized. Some face outright discrimination.

And 9/11 has stoked fears about the minuscule few who hold our democracy and values in contempt, and who embrace violence.

Still, none of this justifies demonizing immigration. Newcomers bring perspective, vitality and talents that Canada needs to thrive in a globalized world, as our workforce ages and dwindles. The Conference Board of Canada estimates the economy would get a $5 billion boost if immigrants had work matching their qualifications.

Rather than encouraging talk of marginalizing newcomers, or shutting them out, politicians and corporate leaders ought to focus on making better use of their talents and energy, and giving them a stake in their new home.

=================================================================

Edited September 26, 201015 yr by akootha

இன்று தமிழ்த்தேசியத்துக்காக நான் என்ன செய்தேன்? - September 19, 2010

வாசிக்கவேண்டியது:

மட்டக்களப்பில் மூன்று ஆயுத கொள்கலன் வெடித்தது. 30 பொலிசார் உட்பட 60 பேர் பலி

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=75475

செய்யவேண்டியது:

to: adamsb@hrw.org

cc: rossj@hrw.org, neistaa@hrw.org, beckerj@hrw.org, singhp@hrw.org

Subject: More than 40 alleged former Tamil Tigers in blast and Sri Lanka's war crimes continues

Dear Mr.Brad Adams,

Director, Asia, HRW.

There was an "accident" where a huge blast took place. As a result initially Sri Lanka claimed more than 60 were killed and later reduced to 19 leaving to believe that more than 40 Tamil youth who were illegally employed, under much-publicized rehabilitation programme, were killed.

The authorities said that two Chinese construction contractors, seven civilians and 16 policemen were amongst those killed when containers of dynamite stored at the Karadiyan-aa'ru police station exploded.

Please bring rights and justice to Tamils!

Thanks.

---------------------------------------------------------------

to: Ms. yolanda. foster" <Yolanda.Foster@amnesty.org>

subject: More ex-combatants were killed

Ms. Yolanda Foster,

Research officer on Sri Lanka, AI.

Dear Madam,

Sri Lanka's road blast where by more than 40 ex-Tamil Tigers were killed. While Sri Lanka is desperate in hiding the fact, it is clear Sri Lanka continues its unlawful detention of several thousands. This illegal detention must end before it conspires more death and illegal killings.

I urge AI and others to pressure Sri Lanka to bring justice to these detainees.

Truly,

Edited September 19, 201015 yr by akootha

இன்று தமிழ்த்தேசியத்துக்காக நான் என்ன செய்தேன்? - September 23, 2010

வாசிக்கவேண்டியது:

மஹிந்தரை ஏற்றுக் கொள்ளுங்கள்! தமிழருக்கு சொல்ஹெய்ம் ஆலோசனை

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=75669

செய்யவேண்டியது:

to: post@mfa.no

cc: erik.solheim@mfa.no, mission.geneva@mfa.no, Utenriksministerens Sekretariat <Utenriksministerens.Sekretariat@mfa.no>,Bjotveit Sondre <Sondre.Bjotveit@mfa.no>

Hon. Jonas Gahr Støre

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

PO box 8114 Dep.

N-0032 Oslo

Norway

Subject: Norway should help to bring a political solution to Tamils in Sri Lanka

Norway as Sri Lanka’s former peace broker may claim the war is won but not peace / political solution. And yes, Tamils get it, "history is written by the victors", and here is brief history:

1. During negotiations over the formation of Israel, frustrated Zionists, members of an organisation known as the Stern Gang, murdered the British ambassador to Egypt, Lord Moyne.In 1946 they blew up the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, killing 91 guests.

2. The Viet Cong were once referred to as terrorists, but no longer, not since they and the North Vietnamese Army won the war.

3. Nelson Mandela was convicted of sabotage under white South Africa's notorious terrorism laws in 1964 and sentenced to life in prison on Robben Island. A substantial shift in power between white and black South Africans saw Mandela become president of South Africa in 1994.

When comes to Tamils and victorious Sri Lanka, Norway is most familiar with its strife than anyone. Let us remind ourselves a brief history:

1. 2000: Only via negotiation, peace can achieved ( Tigers held upper hand)

2. 2002: After earning support from Tamils, Norway tells Sri Lanka to talk to Tamil Tigers. Tamils declare unilateral ceasefire.

3. 2005: Norway urges Tamils to negotiating table after weakening diplomatically

4. 2007: Norway tell that Tamil Tigers cannot be beaten militarily

5. 2009: Tamil Tiger rebels must surrender and civilians will be saved and yet most top level leaders were found shot dead. More than 50000 civilians were killed in "No fire zones and hospitals etc".

6. 2010: Tamils should surrender to Sri Lanka led by Mahinda Rajabakse

The answer Tamils would like to ask co-chairs ( Norway/EU/USA/Japan) and India: why? why would you all betray Tamils? what exactly did you achieve?

And Tamils still hope Norway can bring a political solution to Tamils that protects them from continued prosecution.

Truly,

======

CC:

Hon. Erik Solheim, Minister of the Environment and International Development, erik.solheim@mfa.no;

Hon. Wegger Chr. Strømmen - mission.geneva@mfa.no;

to: sg@un.org

cc: info@equalitynow.org, secretary@state.gov, pirc@cpahq.org, ngochr@ohchr.org, Kontakt@info.diplo.de, imrv@humanrights.de, colombo.col@icrc.org, colombo.general@fco.gov.uk, colombo@unicef.org, secretariat@ncca.org.au, secretary@unicef.ca, den@un.org, info@amnesty.org.uk, secrt@ohchr.org, idp@ohchr.org

Subject: UN chief reiterates accountability issue

Secretary-General

The United Nations

1 United Nations Plaza

New York, New York 10017-3515

September 26, 2010

Dear Sir,

Subject: UN chief reiterates accountability issue

Thanks for bringing discussions with President Mahinda Rajapaksa on September 24, 2010 that most concerns of Tamil minority.

Since May 2009, the focus on the need to move forward expeditiously on outstanding issues has been forgotten, if not already lost. Without a political settlement, reconciliation and accountability there is no way Sri Lanka can win peace.

Truly,

-------------

இன்று தமிழ்த்தேசியத்துக்காக நான் என்ன செய்தேன்? - September 27, 2010

வாசிக்கவேண்டியது:

தடுத்து வைத்திருக்கும் போராளிகள் விடயம் - சர்வதேச யூரிகள் சபை கண்டனம்

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=75813

செய்யவேண்டியது:

to: info@icj.org

cc: sg@un.org, info@equalitynow.org, secretary@state.gov, pirc@cpahq.org, ngochr@ohchr.org, Kontakt@info.diplo.de, imrv@humanrights.de, colombo.col@icrc.org, colombo.general@fco.gov.uk, colombo@unicef.org, secretariat@ncca.org.au, secretary@unicef.ca, den@un.org, info@amnesty.org.uk, secrt@ohchr.org, idp@ohchr.org

Dear Madam/Sir,

The International Commission of Jurists

P.O. Box 91, 33 rue des Bains

1211 Geneva 8, Switzerland

Phone: 0041 22 979-38-00

Fax: 0041 22 979-38-01

E-mail: info@icj.org

Subject: Sri Lanka: Beyond Lawful Constraints: Sri Lanka´s mass detention of LTTE suspects

Let me first thank for this courageous and timely report ( http://www.icj.org/d...tion&id=23159).

Please continue to voice for the voiceless Tamils! But, we collectively must continue until justice and human rights are achieved. Let me add other reports on Sri Lanka

I. Post-Civil War:

i.Sri Lanka’s disturbing actions met by ‘deafening global silence’, The Elders, 3 Aug 2010

ii.Rev John Barr, unitingworld.au, 22 July 2010: ''....My recent journey to the north of the island gave a chilling insight into the issues that thousands of Tamils continue to face. …My experience left me questioning whether Tamils are truly safe from harm today. ...''

No funds to meet needs of nearly 200,000 Northern IDPs due to govt refusal to endorse 2010 action plan, transcurrents.com, 13 March 2010: ''The funding crisis follows the government’s refusal to endorse the 2010 Common Humanitarian Action Plan (CHAP), authoritative sources said. …. The UN and other humanitarian agencies are running out of resources to meet the urgent needs of internally displaced persons in the North. ...''

iii.Mission Report: Visit of Major General (ret.) Patrick Cammaert, Special Envoy of the Special Representative for Children & Armed Conflict, to Sri Lanka, 05-11 December 2010: ‘’It should be noted that the problem of accessing camps for humanitarian personnel persists throughout the country.’’

iv.Unlock the camps in Sri Lanka, Amnesty International, 7 August 2009

v.Sri Lanka: Free Civilians From Detention Camps, Human Rights Watch, 28 July 2009:

‘’The Sri Lankan government should immediately release the more than 280,000 internally displaced Tamil civilians held in detention camps in northern Sri Lanka.’’

vi.Sri Lanka orders cuts in aid work, BBC, 9 July 2009: ‘’The Sri Lankan government has told international relief agencies to cut back their activities in the country. … But it(ICRC) says an estimated 300,000 displaced people still need food, medicine and help to return home.

II. During the War: preventing UN human rights monitoring:

Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions addressed the Roundtable around the Human Rights Council, Geneva on 3 June 2008: ''In 2005 I sounded the alarm. I said that Sri Lanka was on the verge of a major crisis and I indicated to the General Assembly how to avoid the crisis. But nothing was done. The Sri Lankan government did not try and discuss the recommendations with me and it has not made any serious effort to resolve human rights problems. It only acted in Geneva to avoid the Council taking any measures against it".

Statement by Prof Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, UN General Assembly, 27 October 2007: ''I warned this Assembly last year of an impending crisis in Sri Lanka. The Government continues to contest my characterization while the crisis continues to worsen.''

Report of the Special Rapporteur, Philip Alston, 27 March 2006:

The human rights capacity of the United Nations Country Team in Sri Lanka should be expanded immediately, pending the creation of a broader monitoring mechanism.

III.Six decades of political and economic oppression:

http://www.crisisgro...cfm?id=6186&l=1

Sri Lanka’s Judiciary: Politicised Courts, Compromised Rights, International Crisis Group, 30 June 2009: ''Sri Lanka’s judiciary is failing to protect constitutional and human rights. Rather than assuaging conflict, the courts have corroded the rule of law and worsened ethnic tensions. Rather than constraining militarisation and protecting minority rights, a politicised bench under the just-retired chief justice has entrenched favoured allies, punished foes and blocked compromises with the Tamil minority.''

http://www.overcomin...dex.php?id=5726

LIVING LETTERS TEAM TO SRI LANKA(AUGUST 2007) is part of the initiative, Decade Overcoming Violence(DOV), of the World Council of Churches, in its report: ''... We came away from Sri Lanka with mixed feelings – inspired by the commitments of the churches and of human rights activists to work for peace and reconciliation and to be a voice of courage in a very difficult context; saddened by the many signs of suffering and violence we saw around us; and disheartened by the lack of political will to find real solutions to the 25 year old war. Please call on the churches all over the world to pray for us, was a message the Living Letters Team heard over and over again. ..... Learn from the Sri Lankan context so as to strengthen the themes of the DOV and in the content of the Declaration on Just Peace.''

Ethnic Conflict and Economic Development- A POLICY ORIENTED ANALYSIS, John Richardson(1996) “Democracy alone cannot ensure ethnic harmony. Instead, it may allow freer expression of ethnic antagonisms and legalised persecution of minorities. In Sri Lanka, both S.W.R.D. and Sirimavo Bandaranaike won democratic elections by appealing to Buddhist-Sinhalese nationalist sentiments and denigrating the ethnic Tamils. Slobodan Milosevic, the former Communist Party Chief of Serbia and General Franjo Tudjman of Croatia won their presidencies by appealing to the most divisive aspects of Serbian and Croatian nationalism”.

Sri Lanka: A Mounting Tragedy of Errors - Report of International Commission of Jurists, 1983:

"These provisions (in the Prevention of Terrorism Act) are quite extraordinarily wide. No legislation conferring even remotely comparable powers is in force in any other free democracy operating under the Rule of Law, however troubled it may be by politically motivated violence. Indeed there is only one known precedent for the power to impose restriction orders under section 11 of the Sri Lankan P.T.A., and that - as Professor Leary rightly pointed out in her Report - is the comparable legislation currently in force in South Africa... such a provision is an ugly blot on the statute book of any civilised country. … The impact of the communal violence on the Tamils was shattering. The evidence points clearly to the conclusion that the violence of the Sinhala rioters on the Tamils amounted to Acts of Genocide".

Ethnic Conflict and Violence in Sri Lanka - Report of a Mission to Sri Lanka on behalf of the International Commission of Jurists, July/August 1981

"The South African Terrorism Act has been called 'a piece of legislation which must shock the conscience of a lawyer.' Many of the provisions of the Sri Lankan Act are equally contrary to accepted principles of the Rule of Law. .... The fate of the Tamils in Sri Lanka remains a matter of international concern.''

CEYLON : A DIVIDED NATION, B H Farmer(1963):

''Since those saddening days of 1958 Ceylon has had its share of trouble.....The truth, though unpalatable may be to some, is simply that nobody unacceptable to the present Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism has any chance of constitutional power in contemporary Ceylon.

But need it have been as violent as in fact it was? Constitutional safeguards might considerably have done something to control the violence of the communal dispute; though, since the Senanayake Government found a way of disenfranchising the Indian Tamils one is left to wonder what value other safeguards might have had in the event and in the Ceylon setting.''

''Nevertheless in the light of later happenings I now think it is a pity that the Commission did not also recommend the entrenchment in the constitution of guarantees of fundamental rights, on the lines enacted in the constitutions of India, Pakistan, Malaya , Nigeria and elsewhere.''

Please keep giving your voice to the voiceless!!!

Thank you,

-------------------

இன்று தமிழ்த்தேசியத்துக்காக நான் என்ன செய்தேன்? -ஐப்பசி 08, 2010

வாசிக்கவேண்டியது:

பாரிய மறைமுக வேலைத் திட்டத்தோடு, அமைச்சர் ஜி.எல் பீரிஸ் லண்டன் வருகிறார்

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=76191

செய்யவேண்டியது:

to: adamsg@parliament.uk; afriyiea@parliament.uk; ainsworthr@parliament.uk; alexanderd@parliament.uk; alexanderdg@parliament.uk; allengw@parliament.uk; amessd@parliament.uk; arbuthnotj@parliament.uk; austini@parliament.uk; chalkiasg@parliament.uk; heidi.alexander.mp@parliament.uk; nigel.adams.mp@parliament.uk; peter.aldous.mp@parliament.uk; rushanara.ali.mp@parliament.uk; stuart.andrew.mp@parliament.uk

cc: media@tamilsforum.com

Subject: Sri Lankan covers the genocide and prosecution continues

Dear Madams/Sirs;

Let me bring to your attention that Sri Lanka has had no legitimate constitution since the 1972 abolition of the Soulbury Constitution under which Ceylon (as it was then known) was granted independence by the British in 1948. Following the abolition of the Soulbury Constitution in 1972 the Singhala MPs drafted a constitution with no separation of powers and no proper rule of law. The Tamil MPs then walked out. This sham draft constitution was used as the constitution of Sri-Lanka without being approved in a referendum, Had there been a referendum all Tamils would have rejected it.

This constitutional fiddle was repeated in 1977 with a new sham draft. This is still being used as the constitution of Sri-Lanka!! Last week they amended this constitution obviously

without a referendum and places another nail on Sri Lanka's democracy or whatever left in it.

Despite many documented facts, evidence of Sri Lanka's genocide of Tamils and UN's formal panel on the investigations, Sri Lanka has once again mastered its diplomacy. As a result, no real progress has been made. Please demand Sri Lanka to comply with international laws and human rights.

In conclusion, should all options fail, this marriage of convenience should be terminated and Tamils should be let go.

Yours faithfully,

இன்று தமிழ்த்தேசியத்துக்காக நான் என்ன செய்தேன்? -ஐப்பசி 09, 2010

வாசிக்கவேண்டியது:

பாரிய மறைமுக வேலைத் திட்டத்தோடு, அமைச்சர் ஜி.எல் பீரிஸ் லண்டன் வருகிறார்

http://www.yarl.com/...showtopic=76191

செய்யவேண்டியது:

to: iiss@iiss.org

cc: IISS-middleeast@iiss.org, acd@iiss.org, levesques@iiss.org, chaplin@iiss.org, brannan@iiss.org, Fitzpatrick@iiss.org, currentevents@iiss.org, hackett@iiss.org, Michelle.john@fco.gov.uk, ward@iiss.org,Inkster@iiss.org,Crawford@iiss.org ,Synnot@iiss.org

Dr John Chipman,

IISS Director-General and Chief Executive.

Subject: IISS-Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry Dialogue

On October 19, Sri Lanka's FM will be a host on above mentioned subject. Unfortunately Sri Lanka does not deserve such a noble forum:

1. Sri Lanka is a democratic state like no other with its recent amendment to the constitution. It has effectively made North Korea to look better

2. Sri Lanka has been accused by US government on sponsoring terrorism

3. Sri Lanka has snubbed the west/India in recent time and has favored China - Iran alliance

4. Sri Lanka remains accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity against Tamil minority

5. Sri Lanka ranks at the bottom of the list when comes to press freedom

Sri Lanka should not be allowed to take advantage of Britain and its noble forum on free speech and democracy.

Sincerely,

---------------------

CC: Hon. Andrew Patrick, Director, South Asia Group, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

======================================================================

Dear Sir,

I am mailing regarding following event that has been posted on your site: http://www.iiss.org/programmes/south-asia/conferences-and-seminars/iiss-sri-lanka-foreign-ministry-dialogue/gl-peiris-address/

Obviously it is widely understood that you have invited a person who has been playing a continued role to cover the genocide of Tamils. I also believe your organisation does validate person credentials when selecting to address on the platform of your organistation.

And yet I was disappointed because GL Peirs is a core part of genocide.

Truly,

=======================================================

ISS - Who is who:

1.Dr John Chipman, Director-General and Chief Executive, IISS, London, UK:

http://www.iiss.org/about-us/staffexpertise/directing-staff/john-chipman/contact-dr-chipman/

2.Mr Adam Ward, IISS Director of Studies

http://www.iiss.org/about-us/staffexpertise/list-experts-by-name/adam-ward/contact-adam-ward/

3.Mr Nigel Inkster, IISS Director of Transnational Threats & Political Risk

http://www.iiss.org/about-us/staffexpertise/list-experts-by-name/nigel-inkster/contact-nigel-inkster/

4.Mr Michael Crawford, IISS Consulting Senior Fellow for the Middle East and South Asia

http://www.iiss.org/about-us/staffexpertise/list-experts-by-name/michael-crawford/contact-michael-crawford/

5.Sir Hilary Synnott, IISS Consulting Senior Fellow:

http://www.iiss.org/about-us/staffexpertise/list-experts-by-name/sir-hilary-synnott-kcmg/contact-sir-hilary-synnott/

6.Mr Rahul Roy-Chaudhury:

http://www.iiss.org/about-us/staffexpertise/list-experts-by-name/rahul-roy-chaudhury/contact-rahul-roy-chaudhury/

7. FCO: Andrew Patrick, Director, South Asia Group, Foreign and Commonwealth Office:

Michelle.john@fco.gov.uk

Edited October 10, 201015 yr by akootha

to: iiss@iiss.org

cc: IISS-middleeast@iiss.org, acd@iiss.org, levesques@iiss.org, chaplin@iiss.org, brannan@iiss.org, Fitzpatrick@iiss.org, currentevents@iiss.org, hackett@iiss.org, Michelle.john@fco.gov.uk, ward@iiss.org,Inkster@iiss.org,Crawford@iiss.org ,Synnot@iiss.org

Subject: IISS - Sri Lankan foreign Ministry dialogue

Dr. John Chipman

Director General and Chief Executive

The International Institute for Strategic Studies

London, UK

Dear Doctor,

I understand that the External Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka HE Professor G. L. Peiris will be delivering a keynote address on October 18, 2010. I would like to point out to you about the present situation in Sri Lanka to see yourself whom you have decided to entertain:

1. the 18th amendment to the constitution is a fatal blow to democracy in Sri Lanka. It changed Sri Lanka into a de facto dictatorship like Zimbabwe or Mynanmar.

2. Although the war ended in May 2009, the draconian emergency law is still in full force. This draconian law gives wide powers to the military and is used to suppress the minority

Tamils, media and opposition parties.

3. The entire North and East of Sri Lanka [the traditional and historical homeland of the Tamils for centuries] is under army of occupation. The heavy presence of the military in these region denies all democratic rights of the Tamils. The Government Agents of North & East are retired Sinhalese Military personal.

4.The IDPs are not allowed to settle down in their own homes and land. Most of the lands are being utilized to build new permanent military camps and army cantonments to those the families of the armed forces.

I most earnestly request you to reconsider on allowing Sri Lankan representative to deliver the speech. In the case IISS lets the minister to address, I am confident that would result in restoring democracy to minorities and justice.

Yours truly,

Reference:

1. http://www.channel4.com/news/questions-over-sri-lankas-victory :

2. http://www.icj.org/dwn/database/BeyondLawfulConstraints-SLreport-Sept2010.pdf

3. http://www.ecchr.de/sri-lanka.404.html

4. http://www.icj.org/dwn/database/flyer_panel_SLanka_final.pdf

Edited October 10, 201015 yr by akootha

இன்று தமிழ்த்தேசியத்துக்காக நான் என்ன செய்தேன்? -ஐப்பசி 12, 2010

வாசிக்கவேண்டியது:

இதற்குமேல் என்ன சாட்சி வேண்டும்?

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=76314

செய்யவேண்டியது:

To: npillay@ohchr.org; yolanda.Foster@amnesty.org; hrwbe@hrw.org; hrwdc@hrw.org; hrwgva@hrw.org; hrwlasb@hrw.org; hrwnyc@hrw.org; hrwpress@hrw.org; hrwsf@hrw.org; hrwuk@hrw.org; eleanor.hevey@hrw.org; consularcolombo@state.gov, adamsb@hrw.org

Cc: sg@un.org; angela.kane@un.org; khanj@un.org; den@un.org; news@channel4.com; mlee@innercitypress.com; letter@economist.com; letter@guardian.co.uk; letters@dawn.com; letters@independent.co.uk; letters@nationalpost.com; letters@newsweek.com; letters@nytimes.com; news@observer.co.uk; news@timesonline.co.uk

Her Excellency Madam Navaneetham Pillay

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

United Nations

Hon. Yolanda Foster, Amnesty International [AI]

Hon. Brad Adams, HRW, Asia Direcotr.

Your Excellencies

Re: Now Sri Lanka gazes Tamils

One could argue that human rights violation SL has already surpassed the cruelty of Hitlar. And we continue to say, "Never Again".

All these are because of the inaction of the United Nations Secretary General Hon. Ban-ki-Moon. There are numerous allegation against that there is an alliance between the UN Secretary General and the

President of Sri Lanka. Tamils all over the world watching very very closely all the activities of the UN Secretary General and the United Nations.

In contrary to peace, the prosecution of Tamils is in full swing. The cultural genocide is in full swing. Women are being raped and killed when reported. Males have been put into gas chambers. Tamils have to be safeguarded.

Yours truly,

Reference: http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2010/10/editorial-from-gassing-dogs-to-human.html

இன்று தமிழ்த்தேசியத்துக்காக நான் என்ன செய்தேன்? -ஐப்பசி 12, 2010

வாசிக்கவேண்டியது: ராஜபக்சேவுக்கு அழைப்பா? வைகோ கண்டனம்

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=76333

செய்யவேண்டியது:

To: haweb@nic.in

Cc: cmcell@tn.gov.in; elavarasan.a@sansad.nic.in; maitreyan@sansad.nic.in; pm.pandian@sansad.nic.in; ramalingam.kv@sansad.nic.in; tiruchi Siva dmk <tiruchi.siva@sansad.nic.in>; kanimojhi ind <kanimojhi@sansad.nic.in>; bardhan@communistparty.in; cc@cpim.org; sudhakar@communistparty.in; tamilnadu@communistparty.in; poesgarden123@gmail.com; poesgardens@hotmail.com; AIADMK@gmail.com; AIADMK@hotmail.com; periyar@vsnl.com; kamalsandesh@yahoo.co.in; secretary-general@commonwealth.int; v.holdsworth@commonwealth.int

Subject: Shame on India if a alleged War Criminal is invited as Chief Guest at Games Closing ceremony

Hon. P. Chidamparam MP

Minister of Home Affairs

Central Secretariet

New Delhi 110 001

India

Dear Minister,

I am shocked and stunned to learn that Sri Lanka's leader is the chief guest at closing ceremony of CWG.

I am confident we are all aware of the War Crimes, Crimes against humanity and continued rapes and other human rights violation against the Tamils in Sri Lanka. The United Nations is about to investigate the War Crimes investigation shortly.

Until Sri Lanka's leaders clear their name, India should not be engaging with Sri Lanka.

Yours truly,

Edited October 12, 201015 yr by akootha

இன்று தமிழ்த்தேசியத்துக்காக நான் என்ன செய்தேன்? - October 17, 2010

வாசிக்கவேண்டியது:

68 நாள் போராட்டத்துக்குப் பிறகு சிலி சுரங்க மீட்பு பணி வெற்றி

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=76367

செய்யவேண்டியது:

Subject: Chilean miners saved, underground. Next Sri Lankan Tamils, on ground

Dear Secretary General,

To: sg@un.org

Cc: secretary@state.gov, pirc@cpahq.org, ngochr@ohchr.org, Kontakt@info.diplo.de, imrv@humanrights.de, colombo.col@icrc.org, colombo.general@fco.gov.uk, colombo@unicef.org, secretariat@ncca.org.au, secretary@unicef.ca, den@un.org, info@amnesty.org.uk, secrt@ohchr.org, idp@ohchr.org

Secretary-General

The United Nations

1 United Nations Plaza

New York, New York 10017-3515

October 17, 2010

Sir,

Use of research findings advances technology which has just helped to rescue the Chilean miners, after 69 days.

UN members have been recently spending time in discussing ''protection of civilians in armed conflict''. But Sri Lankan Tamils have been trapped by internal colonialism in an island for 62+ years - it continues unabated even in the post-war period. It is now time to rescue Tamils from an abusive relationship that has inflicted deep scars. International community and UN should help to have a referendum should Tamils wants separation.

Technology helped to rescue from underground, we need effective diplomacy to rescue Tamils.

Sincerely,

Edited October 17, 201015 yr by akootha

=================================================================================

= The following statement issued yesterday by the U.K. Section of Amnesty International before the U.K

= Foreign Secretary meets with Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister during Mr. Peiris' visit to the U.K. this week.

=================================================================================

பிரித்தானிய வந்த பீரிசை பிரித்தானிய வெளிவிவகார அமைச்சின் செயலாளர் அவர்களுக்கு

அம்னெஸ்டி இண்டனசனனால் எழுதப்பட்ட மடல்

தொடர்புபட்ட செய்தி: http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=76617

=================================================================================

Amnesty.org.uk

October 18, 2010

Sri Lanka: Hague must insist on independent investigation into war crimes when he meets his Sri Lankan counterpart, says Amnesty

Amnesty International today urged the Foreign Secretary William Hague to demand an independent international investigation into alleged war crime abuses in Sri Lanka when he meets his Sri Lankan counterpart, Professor GL Peiris, tomorrow.

In the months since last year’s conflict between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, commonly known as the Tamil Tigers, numerous allegations of war crimes have surfaced – and so far none has been properly investigated.

Eyewitness accounts of the last months of war paint a grim picture of deprivation of food, water and medical care; fear, injury and loss of life experienced by civilians trapped in the fighting.

Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International UK, said:

“It is time for a full and independent spotlight to be shone onto the horrors of what happened during the conflict and William Hague needs to stress that when he meets the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister tomorrow.

“He must tell Professor GL Peiris that given the magnitude of the crimes that have been committed by both sides of the conflict only a full independent international investigation into the alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka will satisfy the global community.

“At present those alleged to be responsible remain at large and at little threat of being brought to justice – that cannot be allowed to continue.”

Although two bodies – the Sri Lankan Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), and the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon’s Panel of Experts – have been set up to look into the claims, Amnesty International has huge reservations about the effectiveness of both.

Kate Allen explained:

“Given the Sri Lankan Government’s track record on dealing with human rights abuses, their decision in May to establish the LLRC was suspect at best.

“Historically, Sri Lanka’s internal enquiries into human rights abuses have not been adequately empowered or resourced to ensure real accountability and there is no reason to believe that this commission will be any more effective than its predecessors.

“Hundreds of children were among the civilians killed and maimed during the final stages of the conflict in 2009

“While Ban Ki Moon’s appointment of a Panel of Experts to advise him on accountability issues in Sri Lanka is an important first step it falls short of what is actually needed.

“In order that victims’ families get the justice they deserve Amnesty International has called on the United Nations to establish an independent investigation to document the full extent of crimes allegedly committed during the conflict.”

In addition, Amnesty International continues to have concerns for the well being of tens of thousands of displaced people who remain in makeshift camps, and the more than 7,000 Tamil Tiger suspects, who are being held incommunicado in what the state refers to as “rehabilitation camps”.

Edited October 20, 201015 yr by akootha

இன்று தமிழ்த்தேசியத்துக்காக நான் என்ன செய்தேன்? - October 20, 2010

வாசிக்கவேண்டியது:

சொல்ஹெய்ம் மீண்டும் சிறீலங்கை வருகிறார்

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=76595

செய்யவேண்டியது:

To: erik.solheim@mfa.no

Cc: postmottak@md.dep.no; emb.colombo@mfa.no

October 20, 2010

Subject: Upcoming visit to Sri Lanka

The Honorable Erik Solheim

Minister of Environment and International Development

Norway

Dear Minister,

There is not a single personality in the world today knows more about Sri Lanka and the agony of Tamils than You. To this date no there is no concrete step for neither political solution nor reconciliation. And Tamils continue to face unimaginable hardships and here are a few:

-- Sinhalanization is fired up on all cylinders

-- People in Mulliaitheevu district are faced continued prosecution

-- Freed members and supporters of Tamil Tigers live in fear

Please bring these and other pressing issues to the forefront of Sri Lankan leaders to bring justice.

Truly,

இன்று தமிழ்த்தேசியத்துக்காக நான் என்ன செய்தேன்? - October 24, 2010

வாசிக்கவேண்டியது:

போர்க்குற்றங்களை மூடிமறைக்க மூன்று மில்லியன் பவுண்ஸ்! – வழங்குகின்றது சிறிலங்கா!

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=76791

செய்யவேண்டியது:

Subject: Sri Lanka 'pays PR firm £3m to boost post-war image'

To: KMurray@bell-pottinger.co.uk

Cc: info@bell-pottinger.co.uk, ingep@parliament.uk, rawlingspe@parliament.uk, turnerjon@parliament.uk, howelld@parliament.uk, milibandd@parliament.uk,Michelle.john@fco.gov.uk,catherine.Ashton@ec.europa.eu

Dear Kevin Murray,

Chairman,Bell Pottinger Group.

I understand that you work with clients such as McLaren F1, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Adobe, Airbus, Emirates Airlines and Sky. In the past, your company provided services to KPMG and BHP Billiton. Excellent!

Now we hear you may start working for Sri Lankan government who stands accused of committing war crimes by UN, NGOs, Governments and EU for violating human rights. As a member who suffered by Sri Lankan atrocities I hope you to reconsider working for Sri Lanka.

Money is not the most important thing in the world. Justice is.

Sincerely,

CC: European and UK Parliamentarians

Edited October 24, 201015 yr by akootha

இன்று தமிழ்த்தேசியத்துக்காக நான் என்ன செய்தேன்? - October 25, 2010

வாசிக்கவேண்டியது:

வன்னிக்கான உழவு இயந்திரங்களில் பாதியை சிங்களவர்களுக்கு பிடுங்கிக் கொடுத்தது சிறிலங்கா அரசு

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=76800

செய்யவேண்டியது:

to: walter.kaelin@oefre.unibe.ch

cc: <sg@un.org>, <ngochr@ohchr.org>, <adamsb@hrw.org>, "yolanda. foster" <Yolanda.Foster@amnesty.org>, brussels@crisisgroup.org, secretary@state.gov,

Subject: Continued dire state of IDPs in Sri Lanka

Dr. Walter Kaelin,

Representative of the Secretary-General on the Human Rights of IDP's.

Thanks for your recent remarks at UN Press conference on IDPs and most importantly on Sri Lanka.

While you reiterated that it was a basic principle that displaced person camps should be of a civilian character we all know there were serious violations. And even when former combatants or fighters were separated their human rights were not protected. Even in a recent distribution of agricultural equipments, it was all distributed by the government according to its list, not by NGOs which was originally agreed. More than half of them were apparently not IDPs. This is a tip of what real IDPs face in Sri Lanka today.

Please continue all in your power to safeguard IDPs.

Truly,

Subject: Sri Lanka: Please save the Tamil children !!!!!

to: parliamentary@c-of-e.org.uk, bishop@londin.clara.co.uk, bishop@bishopdunelm.co.uk, abha.thakor@winchester.anglican.org, bishop@bathwells.anglican.org, bishop@bishopofblackburn.org.uk, bishop@bradford.anglican.org, Bishop@bristoldiocese.org, bpchester@chester.anglican.org, bishchichester@diochi.org.uk, langrishm@parliament.uk, bshpglos@glosdioc.org.uk, bishop.christopher@cofeguildford.org.uk, bishop@hereford.anglican.org, melanie.glover@leccofe.org, bishop.lichfield@lichfield.anglican.org, bishop.lincoln@lincoln.anglican.org, bishopslodge@liverpool.anglican.org, bishop@bishopscourt.manchester.anglican.org, bishop@newcastle.anglican.org, bishop@bishopofnorwich.org, bishop@riponleeds-diocese.org.uk, dsarum@salisbury.anglican.org, bishop@bishopofwakefield.org.uk

LORDs,

Please take this to the Prime Minister and the parliament!

Rev John Barr, Associate Director for Church Solidarity(Asia), 22 July 2010:

''....My recent journey to the north of the island gave a chilling insight into the issues that thousands of Tamils continue to face. …My experience left me questioning whether Tamils are truly safe from harm today. ... We have a responsibility to continue opening our hearts to the many thousands of Tamils who face danger in Sri Lanka today''.

Submission before Lessons Learnt & Reconciliation Committee (LLRC) by Chandra Jayaratne, 23 September 2010:

‘’…. IDP’s being denied access to their former places of residence ....

-- Preventing willing and capable NGO’s/INGO’s, international community and Diaspora from helping people in need at their most vulnerable moment of need ....

-- Free availability of liquor, cigarettes and narcotics ....

Decision making in the hands of the military or officials from the Central Government..…’’

Young religious visit their own suffering brothers and sisters in Northern Sri Lanka, Rev.Fr.Lasantha de Abrew s.j, 25 October 2010:

''... The high military presence in these areas makes the resettled persons more tensed, uncomfortable and uneasy. The regular visits of the soldiers to their half built houses and temporary sheds, frequent arrests of the young males on various justified and unjustified charges, and inviting the children to the camps to watch films make them uneasy.

-- The Government is very slow in granting permission to the NGOs and the INGOs on rebuilding, resettling and rehabilitation programs.

-- easy availability of DVD shops, liquor, smoking even promoted by the soldiers ....”

Time is running out; the tide is rising.

Lords, please, please, please save the Tamil children.

Sincerely,

xxxxxxxxx.

References:

http://www.groundviews.org/2010/09/23/submissions-before-lessons-learnt-reconciliation-committee-llrc-by-chandra-jayaratne/

http://transcurrents.com/tc/2010/10/young_religious_visit_their_ow.html#more

to: Cannon.L@parl.gc.ca

cc: kentp@parl.gc.ca,Deepak Obhrai <Obhrai.D@parl.gc.ca>,PoiliP@parl.gc.ca,"Abbott.J@parl.gc.ca" <Abbott.J@parl.gc.ca>,Calandra.P@parl.gc.ca,Bev Oda <Oda.B@parl.gc.ca>,Vellacott.M@parl.gc.ca,"Baird, John - M.P." <Baird.J@parl.gc.ca>,Ignatieff.M@parl.gc.ca,LaytoJ@parl.gc.ca,dan@mcteague.ca,mctead@parl.gc.ca,

"rae. b" <Rae.B@parl.gc.ca>,"Karygiannis.J@parl.gc.ca" <Karygiannis.J@parl.gc.ca>,Paul Dewar <Dewar.P@parl.gc.ca>,McKay.J@parl.gc.ca,Irwin Cotler <cotler.i@parl.gc.ca>,Sgro.J@parl.gc.ca,Kania.A@parl.gc.ca,Minna.M@parl.gc.ca,Guarnieri.A@parl.gc.ca,McCallum.J@parl.gc.ca,Peter Julian <Julian.P@parl.gc.ca>,

cannis.j@parl.gc.ca,Duncan.K@parl.gc.ca,Oliphant.R@parl.gc.ca,Wrzesnewskyj.B@parl.gc.ca,Kennedy.G@parl.gc.ca,Lee.D@parl.gc.ca,dryden.k@parl.gc.ca,Mendes.A@parl.gc.ca,Toews.V@parl.gc.ca

Subject: Sri Lanka ICRC reps weeps as injustice continues

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon,

Minister of Foreign Affairs.

October 26, 2010.

Canada and the international wish a peaceful Sri Lanka where ethnic Tamils could live with dignity. For that we, as taxpayers, do give millions. As we say a picture worth thousand words, in this picture the representative of ICRC weeps in public as the aid has been hijacked and distributed by the son of Sri Lanka's president to majority Sinhalese who are not internally displaced people(IDPs). This may a tip of the iceberg as what is really happening to Tamils who have suffered long.

Canada and its friends must continue to push Sri Lanka to live its promises where a political solution is immediately.

Sincerely,

xxxx xxxxxxxxxxx

Ref: http://sundaytimes.lk/101024/

டொராண்டோவின் முன்னணி பத்திரிகையின் ஆசிய ஊடகவியலாளர் இப்பொழுது கொழும்பில் உள்ளார்.

அவர் பொன்சேகாவின் கைதைப்பற்றி எழுதியுள்ளார்.

to: <RWesthead@thestar.ca>,

cc: "Letters to the Editor" <lettertoed@thestar.ca>, "Siddiqui, Haroon" <HSiddiqui@thestar.ca>, "Cohn, Martin Regg" <mcohn@thestar.ca>,

re:Sri Lanka continues attack on jailed ex-general

Hi Rick,

Thanks for this story (http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/883091--sri-lanka-continues-attack-on-jailed-ex-general?bn=1) on continued tragedy in Sri Lanka. From the murder of late editor Mr.Lasantha Wickramathunga to Mr. Fonseka and in between there were a lots of "your's to discover". Just this week the Prime Minister of UK has called upon an independent inquiry where allegedly war crimes took place during the final phase of war against Tamil Tigers.

While you are in Colombo, I hope you could also visit areas where Canadian tax dollars are being spent. (Just recently a photo emerged of an ICRC rep weeping as the aid was not distributed to the IDPs). And of course, why Tamils still risk perilous journey to countries like Canada and Australia in leaky boats?

Keep safe!

Sincerely,

Edited October 30, 201015 yr by akootha

இன்று தமிழ்த்தேசியத்துக்காக நான் என்ன செய்தேன்? - October 29, 2010

கனடா தாய்லாந்தில் மேலும் நூறு தமிழர்களை கைது செய்ய உதவியுள்ளது.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

to: letters@globeandmail.com,

cc: "Freeze, Colin" <cfreeze@globeandmail.com>, "Reinhart, Tony" <areinhart@globeandmail.com>,

Subject: re: Ottawa says Tamil arrests send warning to people smugglers

Dear Editor,

Most of the Tamil Canadian who once fled to safety as refugees to Canada, we feel the desperation why people want to flee. By all accounts the war was over, but true peace has yet to blossom. Peace that would treat Tamils as equals with freedom, not prosecution. Under the continued "military occupation" there is a massive cultural genocide takes place. While things are continued to be challenging to Tamils, the hope for a better future is also bleak.

Now Canada has helped to arrest more than 250 Tamils in Thailand, including children and women, places their lives in direct and present danger. Many could face the draconian law in Sri Lanka, the Prevention of Terrorist Act and be falsely accused.

It is widely expected the bill that Harper government is proposing, targets legitimate refugees, in which Tamils from Sri Lanka has one of the highest acceptance. On one hand we say to Tamils, "Yes, you are legitimate refugee" and with other, "Do not seek services of smugglers". Oskar Schindler, the well known German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories, would be a "smuggler" by this law.

Thanks.

Sincerely,

------ --------------

Story: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-hails-thai-arrest-of-tamils-as-warning-to-smugglers/article1778228/

Edited October 30, 201015 yr by akootha

இன்று தமிழ்த்தேசியத்துக்காக நான் என்ன செய்தேன்? - October 31, 2010

வாசிக்கவேண்டியது:

இலங்கை செல்லும் ஜேர்மனிய பாராளுமன்ற குழு

http://www.yarl.com/forum3/index.php?showtopic=77068

செய்யவேண்டியது:

to : Petra.Ernstberger@bundestag.de

cc: sabine.weiss@bundestag.de, elke.hoff@bundestag.de, Paul.Schaefer@bundestag.de, josef.winkler@bundestag.de

Subject: German delegation on fact finding mission

Chairperson Abg. Ernstberger, Petra (SPD

Rt. Hon. Petra Ernstberger,

First, let me thank you for taking this courageous and important visit to Sri Lanka, a country I once fled, citing human rights violations. To this day I am haunted and fearful to visit.

Continued draconian laws such as Prevention of Terrorist Act and presence of vastly guarded fearful military makes uneasy to make a visit. And, yes I am a Tamil and that makes me still venerable.

While most may raise the issue of Fonseka who fought along Government, a few may question the fate about others who opposed him on the war front. So, while you are in Sri Lanka, please visit to the Tamil traditional homeland and ask all possible questions with whomever and witness yourself whether Tamils are truly happy to live in this political climate since the end of war? and whether their rights and freedom are protected under these rulers? Is long lasting peace a possibility or mirage? Should we support a referendum like in Sudan?

Finally, when you write a check to help Sri Lanka, please demand for transparency of the funds.

Sincerely,

to: <sg@un.org>

cc: <ngochr@ohchr.org>, <adamsb@hrw.org>, "yolanda. foster" <Yolanda.Foster@amnesty.org>, brussels@crisisgroup.org, secretary@state.gov, walter.kaelin@oefre.unibe.ch, "Sweeney, Peter J" <SweeneyPJ@state.gov>

Sri Lanka: political and economic oppression of Tamils continues, unabated!

Dear Secretary General,

Despite the end of civil war, Sri Lanka's second budget gives the first place to the defence, and that by a very wide margin. By way of comparison, the defence appropriation of Rs. 215 billion dwarfs the resettlement appropriation of Rs 1.7 billion. It also dwarfs the second largest component of the budget which is Economic Development, which obtained Rs. 75 billion!

The continued post war reconstruction continues to discard democratically elected Tamil politicians. Tamils living in Sri Lanka question this approach as Sinhalese led Sri Lanka is repeating past mistakes. Here is a quote:

''Tamils in particular (and minorities in general) have not been so powerless and helpless, perhaps since Independence. It is significant that this help was sought not to bring about a political solution but to persuade the Rajapaksas to involve the elected representatives of the North and East in the resettlement and rehabilitation work of the North and the East!" - Remaking Old Mistakes, Post-War? Tisaranee Gunasekara, 31 10 2010:

There are 89,000 widows in the north and east. Most children have no reasonable access to education. Men have been denied access to fishing/cultivation by the name of security. In a recent event, it is reported that some two-wheel tractors which the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) were allegedly distributed among people of his choice by MP Namal Rajapakse, son of the President, who attended the ceremony with a group of his party members, overruling the list of beneficiaries prepared by the ICRC.

So we have to ask ourselves, in the process of helping to defeat terrorism, did we also help to create the tyrannical monster-regime in Colombo and then left Tamils at the mercy of the Sinhalese?

UN should consider having a referendum letting Tamils to end this abusive relationship.

Sincerely,

xxxx xxxxxx

Reference:

http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/10/31/remaking-old-mistakes-post-war

http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=9787

http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportID=90880

http://www.tsunami-evaluation.org/NR/rdonlyres/06B7033C-446F-407F-BF58-7D4A71425BFF/0/ApproachestoEquity.pdf

http://www.lankatruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7058:hand-tractors-of-icrc-distributed-among-namals-favourites-&catid=34:lead-news&Itemid=50

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/dalailama/article/880196--amid-sri-lanka-s-boom-life-for-tamils-remains-bleak

http://www.humanitarianinfo.org/srilanka_hpsl/Files/Situation%20Reports/Joint%20Humanitarian%20Update/LKRN047_FINAL%20JHU%20September%202010.pdf

to: BlakeR2@state.gov

cc: secretary@state.gov,SweeneyPJ@state.gov, <ngochr@ohchr.org>, <adamsb@hrw.org>, "yolanda. foster" <Yolanda.Foster@amnesty.org>, brussels@crisisgroup.org,

walter.kaelin@oefre.unibe.ch

Hon. Robert Blake

Assistant Secretary,

SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIAN AFFAIRS.

Dear Mr.Blake,

We all hoped for an environment, post May 2009, where by all communities in Sri Lanka could live in peace and dignity. Perhaps it is safe to say, "Sri Lanka has failed the expectations".

Despite the fact there has been no "terrorist attacks" since May 2009, Sri Lanka does not seem interested in reconciliation. The followings can be said to reaffirm these facts:

• Continued prosecution of Tamils and Muslims in North and East of Sri Lanka
  
• Sinhalese have been assured to be resettled with the assistance from China
  
• Tamil women, former members of LTTE and nearly 90000 of widows face huge challenges to normalize lives
  
• Thousands remain in prisons along with draconian laws
  
• Tamil youth are being denied normalcy, be it education or employment
  

Finally, I would like to recall what President Obama assured in May 2009, suggesting Tamils and others will be better off when LTTE release them. Well, this statement does remain relevant to this day. And, sadly the Tamil grievances remain present while a political solution has been forgotten.

Sincerely,