Sri Lanka: Stop Impunity For Genocide And Torture

By Ron Ridenour -October 2, 2013 

Ron Ridenour

Tamils’ history in Sri Lanka is one of constant discrimination and misery. Ever since independence from colonialist Britain half-a-century ago, Sinhalese governments have subjected them to policies of genocide as defined by the United Nations in its Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide, Dec. 9, 1948.

Article III of this Convention makes liable to punishment: a) Genocide; b) Conspiracy to commit genocide; c) Direct and public incitement to commit genocide; d) Attempt to commit genocide; and e) Complicity in genocide. Article IV states that, persons committing genocide shall be punished whether they are constitutionally responsible rulers, public officials or private individuals. (1)

Although Sinhalese governments strive to re-colonialise Tamils, treating them as inferiors and second-class citizens, no foreign government has wished to seek an indictment against Sri Lanka’s governments. Tamils have no political power or state territory, and the most powerful nations have their own genocidal ghosts in their closets, including aiding Sri Lanka’s genocide.

Evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, is vivid. Satellite photos taken by the UN and the US show the slaughter of civilians during the end of the civil war. Channel 4 documentaries, testimonies of victims and UN aid workers have been released to the public. There is the revealing UN panel of experts’ 214-page report and recommendations, and the reports and recommendations of the High Commissioner, Navaneetham Pillay. Yet no session of the Human Rights Council has even discussed these recommendations for an independent investigation under the United Nations.

For decades Sri Lankan government military and police forces have tortured and continue to torture Tamils routinely. There can be no healing as long as impunity is granted torturers. The tortured feel society accepts this worst of all violence, leading to loss of confidence in democracy and in humanity. The failure to punish perpetrators encourages endless repetition of torture.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 5, states:Read More