Ed Davey, Leader of the UK Liberal Democrats, calls for an Independent Investigatory Mechanism

by Viruben
Jan 16, 2021

Ed Davey, Leader of the UK Liberal Democrats, has called on the Prime Minister to “create an International Independent Investigative Mechanism” (IIM) to “investigate and prosecute for serious international crimes committed in Sri Lanka against the Tamils”.

In his statement Davey’s highlights Sri Lanka’s persistent resistance to international efforts to investigate alleged war crimes since the end of the armed conflict over 11 years ago. He further expressed concern Sri Lanka’s withdrawal from its commitments to the UN Human Rights Council. This has led to “deepening concerns that no-one will be held to account for these crimes”, he added.

An IIM, Davey’s notes would be instrumental in gathering evidence by those affected by Tamils genocide and holding war criminals accountable. It would be “a step in the right direction towards meaningful reconciliation in Sri Lanka:, Davey’s stated.

Davey’s statement further highlights the increasing calls from over a hundred UK Tamil societies for the establishment of an IIM. He also notes that whilst the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils has written by the British Foreign Secretary, they have yet to receive a response.

Davey’s call has supported by a number of British MPs including Sam Tarry and Siobhain McDonagh as well as the British Tamil community. Today is an unprecedented display of unity, major Tamil political leaders, Tamil civil society actors and Tamil victim community representatives also called for an international accountability process, including a referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Read more here: Tamil parties unite behind call for Sri Lanka to face international accountability

Read Davey's full statement here.

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This demonstration, which culminated in a rally and speeches in Punchbowl, highlighted the plight of refugees denied permanent visas for over 12 years. Speakers at the event shed light on the profound impact of the current system, including barriers to higher education, employment, and access to essential services.

The protest has now entered its 100th day, with Tamil asylum seekers and their supporters continuing their relentless demand for permanent protection. For 38 days, they camped outside Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke’s office in Sydney, calling on the government to end the visa limbo that has left many without basic rights and stability. Tamil asylum seekers have been in Australia for over a decade, living on short-term visas that must be renewed regularly. Without permanent residency, they are excluded from Medicare—Australia’s universal health insurance scheme—and are denied the right to work, study, travel, or access essential services. Many are also required to report to visa offices weekly.

The crisis is compounded by the controversial 'Fast Track' system introduced in 2014 by the Abbott government. According to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, this system has resulted in the rejection of around 8,500 asylum seekers' cases. It specifically targets individuals who sought asylum by sea and arrived in Australia between August 13, 2012, and December 31, 2013. Tamil asylum seekers, stuck in visa limbo for years, have launched protests nationwide, with 24-hour encampments in Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane.

Amaran - Problematic propaganda

amaran

The genre of war epic makes its grand re-entry to Tamil cinema with director Rajkumar Periasamy’s sophomore feature film, ‘Amaran.’ As is often the case with this genre, one cannot help but feel the events of the ‘true story’ onscreen have been heavily modified for easy consumption.

 

 

 

The patriotic military films of Tamil cinema had taken a back seat for a while. The subject matter is now seldom a prominent theme of a film, instead lurking in the shadows peeking through such as via the heroes in the works of Nelson Dilipkumar. The genre of war epic makes its grand re-entry to Tamil cinema with director Rajkumar Periasamy’s sophomore feature film, ‘Amaran.’ As is often the case with this genre, one cannot help but feel the events of the ‘true story’ onscreen have been heavily modified for easy consumption.

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Krishna's rating: 2.5 stars

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Official trailer for film below.

UN Special Committee finds Israel warfare methods in Gaza consistent with Genocide

un_spcial

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“It is the collective responsibility of every State to stop supporting the assault on Gaza and the apartheid system in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem,” the Committee said.

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The Special Committee is composed of three Member States: Malaysia, Senegal and Sri Lanka. This year the Member States are represented by H.E. Mr. Ahmad Faisal Muhamad, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations in New York, H.E. Mr. Cheikh Niang, Permanent Representative of Senegal to the United Nations in New York, and H.E. Mr. Peter Mohan Maithri Pieris, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York.. The committee called on member states to urgently act on the following 

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(b) Leverage their influence to ensure Israel ceases its policies and practices negatively affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories;  

(c) Halt all offensive arms transfers, including weapons, explosives, guns and/or ammunition, to Israel;

(d) Hold nationals, including those with dual Israeli citizenship, involved in settler violence or violations in Gaza, accountable for violations of international law;  

(e) Review financial transfer policies that allow religious and charitable organizations to fund activities in Israel, which enable the further sustenance of an apartheid system;  

(f) Support UNRWA politically and financially, including by increasing funding through the United Nations regular budget;  

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(j) Fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court. 

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