Tamils Struggle

21st May 2009

Media Release

Tamils Struggle

The Consortium of Tamil Associations of New Zealand (COTANZ) is deeply shocked and saddened by the events of the last several days in Sri Lanka.

The ‘so called’ victory by the Sri Lankan government is nothing more than another stage in the genocide against the Tamil people. As the government of Sri Lanka celebrates a ‘so called’ end to the war, thousands of men, women and children are being killed.

Those who are alive are being forced into concentrations style camps where they are virtually being held prisoners against their will. They do not have the basic necessities such as food, water, shelter or even basic medical supplies to treat the wounded.

COTANZ urges the International Community to turn its attention to the mounting humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka. If it is not addressed- more Tamils will unnecessarily lose their lives. The IC needs to put pressure on the Sri Lankan government to allow for international aid to reach people that are trapped in these camps.

It is also vital that, in light of the treatment of the people in these camps, including reports of rape, torture and arbitrary arrests, that these camps are demilitarised. The running of camps for internally displaced peoples must be handed over to international non-governmental organisations (INGOs). The Sri Lankan government has time and time again proven it is not in a position to look out for the welfare of the Tamil people. Having instrumented decades of genocide against the Tamil people- it cannot be trusted to protect the Tamil people.

In light of this- the Tamil Diaspora cannot forget the countless lives lost so far during the last several days.

To remember those who have lost their lives, Tamil community will be commemorating May 22nd as a day of mourning. We will remember our kith and kin who were needlessly killed by the Sri Lankan government.

Although they may no longer be with us, their lives will not be lost in vain. And the struggle for Tamil self determination will continue until Tamils can live peacefully with their dignity.

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