Posted on: November 26, 2009  @ 11:30

Solidarity with the Tamil People

On Saturday, November 21st, a demonstration was held in Toronto to demand that the Sri Lankan government put an end to detention camps. I was asked to speak on the issue and here’s what I said:

“Members of Tamil families, friends of the Tamil people, Sisters and Brothers:

It is important to be here today because we know that justice will and must prevail. We know we have to stand up to defend human rights and we have to stand up strong. 

  • CUPW is upset that six hundred Tamil political prisoners are still held in jail without any inquiry or indictment against them in law courts. 
  • CUPW is worried that according to Human Rights Watch there are currently over 264,000 displaced civilians in Sri Lanka. They are forcibly confined to detention camps where conditions are horrific due to overcrowding, lack of facilities, and lack of medical care. 
  • CUPW is alarmed that there are several reported cases of Tamil individuals enforced disappearances - being taken into custody without regard to Sri Lankan laws and without notifying any of their family members, as well as reports of extra-judicial killings.

For CUPW the fundamental issue is that all people have the right to human rights and they have to be respected.

  • CUPW is concerned that the current Sri Lanka government reforms will result in a land grab of Tamil held land. 
  • CUPW is very concerned that the Sri Lankan government is labeling all Tamils who have fled the Sri Lanka as terrorists. This is why CUPW has written a letter to Immigration Minister Jason Kenney demanding that the people who have recently arrived in BC aboard the Ocean Lady be released from detention and be given refugee status.

Our Union has a policy on International Workers Solidarity. In that policy, we clearly outline our opposition to the suppression of people’s democratic rights. Putting this policy into action means we have to stand in solidarity with you today, tomorrow and until the Tamil people and all peoples are free.

The struggle continues.

 

cupe 1979 / cope 225