Action Alert ArchiveStop War Against CiviliansFebruary 24, 2009 This past thursday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report calling on the Sri Lankan Government to end its "War" on civilians. "Sri Lankan forces have repeatedly and indiscriminately shelled areas crowded with displaced persons," the report said. According to Amnesty International, there are approximately 300,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sri Lanka's north and east. Those IDPs caught within the conflict zone become victims of the Sri Lankan government indiscriminate shelling while those who leave are herded into internment camps. In these "welfare villages" HRW notes, "entire families... are denied their liberty and freedom of movement." International aid agencies are barred by the Government from these camps and the nearby hospitals, exacerbating a lack of basic necessities. Few reports have escaped the area, continuing the Government of Sri Lanka's disturbing trend of media repression. Without international monitors and witnesses to this humanitarian crisis, the government is allowed to operate with impunity. Last Friday, thousands of people from across the continent came together for a massive rally in front of the White House and called for an end to this impunity. We ask you to sign on to the House/Senate joint letter led by Representatives Mary Jo Kilroy and James Moran urging President Obama to call for an immediate ceasefire and for full access for international aid organizations, journalists and monitors into the conflict region and the refugee camps, so that the suffering of 300,000 Tamil civilians can finally be brought to an end. |
The mission of People for Equality and Relief in Lanka (PEARL) is to end the systemic human rights abuses against the Tamil population in Sri Lanka, and promote equality, rights and justice on the island. PEARL is 501(c)3 non-profit organization led by human rights activists concerned about the situation in Sri Lanka. |
