March 8, 2010, Washington, DC: USTPAC joins the world community in celebrating the
International Women’s Day on March 8th, but on a sad note, wishes to highlight the continued
suffering of Tamil women in North-East Sri Lanka.
"It is no secret that in military conflicts, women suffer unspeakable violence and abuse. The
young adult girls and women become easy targets and thus are the most victimized members
of the society during the armed conflicts. The Tamil women in North-East Sri Lanka have
been at the receiving end of the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) sponsored state violence
for decades," said Dr. Ellyn Shander, speaking for USTPAC.
The United States Tamil Political Action Council (USTPAC) joins the world humanitarian community in remembering and paying tribute to the victims of the Holocaust at the hands of Nazi Germany, honoring survivors and supporting the recognition of this day internationally.
The 2010 observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust will focus on a central theme that emphasizes the legacy that survivors pass on to succeeding generations. In solidarity with this theme the UN stated:
"As there are fewer survivors to tell their stories today, it is of primary importance that these universal lessons be shared with all fellow human beings. Only this will ensure that their legacy will continue to promote respect for diversity and human rights for generations to come."
WASHINGTON, DC: Tamil Americans from around the country will be joined by Tamil Canadians at a rally in Washington, DC on Friday, November 20 to bring attention to the end of the 180 day period promised by Sri Lankan President Rajapakse to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on May 23, 2009 for the release of 300,000 Tamils detained in internment camps in Sri Lanka since the final stages of the war. Two thirds of these Tamils continue to be detained in poor conditions without accountability, family reunification or a timetable for release.
According to a USTPAC spokesman, "These people are being subjected to collective punishment for their demands for political, social and cultural rights in their own traditional homeland. We support all efforts to allow these innocents to return freely and with dignity to their homes in a secure environment."
The United States Tamil Political Action Council (USTPAC) welcomes the US Department of State's “Report to Congress on Incidents During the Recent Conflict in Sri Lanka”, and calls the US Congress and our Government to act on the findings by creating an international investigation mechanism, and instituting trade sanctions against Sri Lanka until full compliance is acceded by the regime in Sri Lanka.
Washington, DC: The US Department of State on Wednesday submitted a report mandated by the Congress "detailing incidents during the recent conflict in Sri Lanka that may constitute violations of international humanitarian law or crimes against humanity, and, to the extent practicable, identifying the parties responsible." A USTPAC spokesperson commended the State Department for its compilation of events and incidents that took place in the Vanni region in the Northeastern part of Sri Lanka early this year. "This report develops a picture of intentional and deliberate violence directed at a people whose only fault is that they are Tamils. The impartiality of the report, which exposes wrong-doings by all actors in the conflict, adds further credibility to the report," said the spokesperson.
USTPAC, a grass root advocacy organization, welcomes Secretary Clinton’s speech at the UN Security Council, describing Resolution 1888 as necessary to control the abuse of Tamil women and young girls in Sri Lanka by the country’s armed forces.
New York, October 6, 2009 -- Joe Ratnam, a spokesman for the US Tamil Political Action Council (USTPAC), said, "USTPAC endorses and supports Secretary Clinton’s speech at the UN Security Council on September 30 on the new Resolution 1888”. The resolution requests Secretary General to “appoint a Special Representative to lead, coordinate and advocate for efforts to end sexual violence.” The Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution, which also calls on the Secretary-General to rapidly deploy a team of experts to work with governments to strengthen the rule of law, address impunity and enhance accountability. During her speech Secretary Clinton stated, "Rape has been used as weapon of war in the Balkans, Burma and Sri Lanka and elsewhere."
Tamil Americans rallied in front of the UN last Tuesday (September 22, 2009) to protest the UN's inaction over the killings of more than 20,000 Tamil civilians by Sri Lankan forces in the last few weeks of the civil war and UN's impotence on the forcible confinement of nearly 300,000 Tamil civilians in internment camps.
Joe Ratnam, a spokesman for the US Tamil Political Action Council (USTPAC) said, "USTPAC endorses and supports this rally by the activists concerned about human rights. Sri Lanka is attempting to destroy the Tamil community on the island and this crime is NOT being effectively challenged by the United Nations."
Other sources support Mr. Ratnam's numbers. For instance, in May 2009, the Sri Lankan armed forces killed over 20,000 Tamil civilians with indiscriminate attacks, The Times of London said.
North American Tamils expanded their boycott campaign over Sri Lanka goods to over a dozen cities across the US and Canada, targeting GAP and Victoria's Secret stores on Saturday, youth organizers of the event said. Leveraging the "No to Sri Lanka" website run by Canadian youth activists to spread the campaign message, the organizers held protests in San Francisco, Chicago, North Carolina, Boston, Atlanta, New York city and in several Canadian cities. The protesters stood inside malls, outside shopping centers, and some in the median of busy streets, urging ethical shoppers to resist buying garments made in Sri Lanka.
"We wanted to convey a unified message that by conducting business with Sri Lanka's apparel manufacturing industry, GAP and Victoria Secret are indirectly funding a brutal regime that is accused of possible war crimes, and which is holding nearly 300,000 Tamils in military supervised camps with little or no freedom of movement," spokesperson for co-ordinating the protests said.
The US Tamil Political Action Council (USTPAC) mourns the passing of Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy. Our members from Massachusetts who were his constituents and supported him in many elections are particularly filled with sad emotion at his loss.
The loss of Sen. Kennedy is particularly grave for Tamils at this time when hope is hard to find. Tamil Americans take comfort always in his inspiring words "...the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."
This year, on August 19th, the international community will pay tribute to the brave humanitarian workers who devote their time and energy to come to the rescue of innocent victims of war and natural catastrophes across the world.
August 19th has been designated by the United Nations as "World Humanitarian Day" to honor all humanitarian and associated personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and in the promotion of the humanitarian cause (**2009 Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation). USTPAC wishes to remember and honor the 105 humanitarian workers who have been killed by the Sri Lankan government since 2005
Tamil Americans united under US Tamil Political Action Council (USTPAC), met yesterday with Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake, and a number of other high ranking officials at the US State Department who cover Sri Lanka. The USTPAC delegation comprised of 16 Tamil Americans representing twelve different Tamil Diaspora organizations. US Chargé d’Affaires in Colombo, James Moore and US AID Mission Director Rebecca Cohn were joined by video conferencing. On the agenda was the humanitarian crisis for Tamils in Sri Lanka and prospects for political change in Sri Lanka.
Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Sri Lanka James Moore met with 16 representatives of U.S.-based organizations representing members of the Tamil diaspora to discuss the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka and prospects for political reconciliation on August 11.