Marking the 15th anniversary of the Tamil genocide, US representatives of Congress have introduced a landmark resolution urging the United States to push for an independence referendum for Eelam Tamils and members have issued a statement expressing their concerns over the crackdowns on genocide memorials.
US Congresswoman Deborah Ross in a video statement said she stood with Tamil people not just in America but around the world in honouring and mourning the tens of thousands of Tamils who were killed in the Mullivaikkal massacre. The International Truth and Justice Project estimates that over 169,000 people were killed during the final phase of the armed conflict in which the Sri Lankan army ruthlessly bombed hospital, food lines and designated "no fire zones".
“Accountability for past and ongoing human rights violations is necessary for Sri Lanka to pass its current struggles and ensure a peaceful and sustainable future for all people,” she said. “Tamil people deserve justice and to live in peace and dignity in their homeland.”
She added that the international community with the United States as their leader has a key role to play in advancing accountability and redress for the Tamil people.
Meanwhile, Congressman, Raja Krishnamoorthi speaking in Congress on Genocide Remembrance Day said that it was a moment for Congress to reflect on its commitment to Tamils in their search for reconciliation and reform.
He urged the Sri Lankan government and the international community to advocate for the protection of rights for all people of Sri Lanka to work with all parties for a sustainable political solution to prevent recurrence. He also applauded the commitment and bravery of those who work to seek justice and accountability.
The Tamil people suffered greatly during the Sri Lankan Civil War. As we mark the 15-year anniversary since the end of the war, I took to the House floor to honor the lives lost and urge Sri Lanka and the international community to protect the rights of all people. pic.twitter.com/F9nwfA5zeT
— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) May 23, 2024
Earlier this month, a resolution was introduced to the US Congress calling on the United States to work towards an independence referendum for Eelam Tamils. The resolution, introduced by Representative Wiley Nickel, is the first of its kind to be brought to the US Congress. It comes as Tamils marked 15 years since the Mullivaikkal genocide this week, with May 18 commemorated as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day worldwide.
