Action Alert Archive
Take Action Now! (USA) Civilians Under Attack by Land, Sea & AirMay 6, 2009 As the violence in Sri Lanka continues and the government attempts to end the 60 year civil war, the situation deteriorates for up to 150,000 Tamil refugees encircled within the so-called “Safe Zone”. Despite the Government of Sri Lanka’s assurances that they have halted their use of heavy weaponry, reports from the ground indicate that indiscriminate shelling and aerial bombardment continue, claiming civilian lives and damaging make-shift hospitals within the “safe-zone”. The UN estimates that 6,500 Tamil civilians have been killed since January, with an additional 13,000 injured. Civilians within the “Safe Zone” suffer from widespread starvation and a lack of medical supplies, in addition to constant shelling and bombardment. Those refugees who leave the “Safe Zone” are forced into government-run camps in which conditions are little improved. Recent reports from these camps indicate shortages of food and water, inadequate medical care, separation of families, and women being subject to sexual abuse. Without human rights monitors and media access to these camps, government and paramilitary forces are allowed to act with impunity, endangering the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians. The State Department, White House, UN, UK, India and others have called for an immediate ceasefire to bring relief to the thousands of civilians suffering within the “Safe Zzone” but the Sri Lankan government has ignored their calls. It is time for the international community to move beyond mere statements of concern and take meaningful action to pressure the Sri Lankan government to respect fundamental human rights. We urge you to contact the State Department immediately, and ask them to apply sanctions against Sri Lanka to force compliance with international calls for an immediate ceasefire and access for aid agencies, journalists and human rights monitorsto refugee camps and the “Safe Zone”. These sanctions could range from a travel ban on Sri Lankan government and military officials, to trade sanctions, to a statement recognizing the Tamils’ right to self determination. Thousands of lives hang in the balance as the government continues its attacks against Tamil civilians. Only with immediate and forceful action can the Government of Sri Lanka be pressured into ending its disregard for basic political and human rights of Tamil civilians. |
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. |
