Standing with the Eelam Tamil community in their struggle against oppression and injustice. We must find a permanent solution based on their right to self-determination that ensures stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/x2boQ4cek4
— Congressman Don Davis (@RepDonDavis) December 12, 2023
US Congressman Don Davis called on his colleagues “to recognize and address the ongoing oppression of the Tamil People” today, as he spoke out against genocide and called for “a permanent solution based on their right to self-determination” in the region.
Speaking at the US House of Representatives, Davis said “I stand with the Eelam Tamils in Sri Lanka”.
“Following the British departure in 1948, the unification of these kingdoms under a Sinhalese-dominated Sri Lanka led to the marginalization of the Tamil people,” he continued. “This process disregarded the Tamils' right to self-determination.”
“State-sponsored discrimination and violence against Tamils sparked a tragic 30-year ethnic conflict, resulting in the 2009 Tamil Genocide.”
He went on to condemn the “recent arrests of Tamils for participating in peaceful events under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, ” which he labelled as “deeply troubling”.
The arrests of Tamils last month, as they attempted to commemorate Maaveerar Naal, sparked international condemnation.
“Therefore, I call upon my colleagues in Congress to recognize and address the ongoing oppression of the Tamil People,” Davis concluded.
“We must support a permanent solution that ensures stability and peace in this vital part of the Indo-Pacific. And we must honor our commitment to human rights and democracy.”
