Members of CMAG fail to take Decisive Action on Sri Lanka: A Missed Opportunity

For Immediate Release

April 26, 2013

Members of CMAG fail to take Decisive Action on Sri Lanka: A Missed Opportunity

TORONTO, ON – The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) is disappointed that decisive action on Sri Lanka was not taken during the 39th meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) held today in London, England.

CMAG was established in 1995 as a mechanism charged with the crucial responsibility of addressing violations of Commonwealth values including democracy, rule of law and freedom. Yet, despite calls from international human rights organizations, lawyers associations and civil society members, CMAG missed an opportunity to uphold the confidence of the very people it represents.

“If the Commonwealth is to be a relevant force in our society, then it must take human rights seriously”, said David Poopalapillai, National Spokesperson for the Canadian Tamil Congress. “Allowing a human rights perpetrator like Sri Lanka to not only host the Heads of Government Meeting, but also lead the Commonwealth for the next two years is an utter disgrace to the institution and questions the credibility of its existence,” concluded Poopalapillai.

Rewarding Sri Lanka with the honour of hosting the Commonwealth sends the wrong message that the international community will overlook the systemic violation of human rights inherent in Rajapakse’s authoritarian regime – a move that will set a dangerous precedent.

While Sri Lanka was not on the official agenda of CMAG, news reports indicate that it was discussed as part of “Other Matters of Interest”. The Canadian Tamil Congress thanks Minister of Foreign Affairs, John Baird for raising the issue of Sri Lanka at today’s meeting.

CTC remains concerned that credibility of the Commonwealth is at serious risk if it does not choose to change the venue of the CHOGM meeting to another country, one that respects the fundamental human rights of its people. We call upon members of the Commonwealth to take a strong stance and call for an immediate change of venue. With less than six months away, we must act immediately to ensure that the Commonwealth remains a relevant institution and not one that condones the behaviour of a ruthless government like Sri Lanka.

For Media Inquiries, please contact: Mr. David Poopalapillai (905)-781-7034 or (416)-240-0078, National Spokesperson, Canadian Tamil Congress