Tamils pay tribute to Holocaust victims

[TamilNet, Thursday, 28 January 2010, 03:56 GMT]
American Tamils join 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, said United States Tamil Political Action Council (USTPAC) in a press release issued Monday. Noting that the International Holocaust Remembrance Day is of special significance to Tamils, the release added, "[t]he 2009 onslaught by the mono-ethnic Sinhala Sri Lankan armed forces claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Tamil civilians under the guise of a “humanitarian operation”...The plight of Tamils continues, with internment, separation of children from their parents and the holding of people in detention under secret conditions."

Full text of the release follows:

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

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.”

“Today, International Holocaust Remembrance Day is of special significance to Tamils,” according to a USTPAC spokesman. The 2009 onslaught by the mono-ethnic Sinhala Sri Lankan armed forces claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Tamil civilians under the guise of a “humanitarian operation,” ending the armed conflict in May, 2009. Tamils of all ages, women, men, elders, children and families were mercilessly massacred in cold blood by the Sri Lankan armed forces. The government of Sri Lanka succeeded in banning all media and intimidating aid workers in non-governmental organizations. As Nazi Propaganda Minister Dr. Goebbels once remarked, 'He who runs the information, runs the show.' The Government of Sri Lanka and President Mahinda Rajapaksa use these methods to maintain a police state, deceiving their own citizens and the international community on the treatment of Tamils.

The plight of Tamils continues, with internment, separation of children from their parents and the holding of people in detention under secret conditions. The government’s reckless release of interned Tamils without aid or allowing them to return to their original homes has forced them to seek shelter along the roadside and in jungle terrain.

Secretary General Ban-Ki-moon and several UN agencies continue to ignore the Tamil genocide. The General Assembly and Human Rights Council refuse to consider actions to protect the Tamil people and to prosecute war criminals.

Prof. Elie Wiesel, Holocaust Survivor and Human Rights Activist, in a June 2009 statement on the situation of Tamils today, remarked: “Wherever minorities are being persecuted we must raise our voices to protest. According to reliable sources, the Tamil people are being disenfranchised and victimized by the Sri Lanka authorities. This injustice must stop. The Tamil people must be allowed to live in peace and flourish in their homeland.”

This year’s International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a time to remember Prof. Elie Wiesel’s words about the Tamils’ plight.