Exposing Deceptive Strategies and Advocating for Justice

Distinguished Readers,

We respectfully call upon all advocates for justice for the victims of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression to steadfastly uphold the principles of international law and order. In these challenging times marked by conflict and devastation, the United Nations General Assembly, comprising 194 member states, stands as a beacon of hope for those who have endured immense suffering.

The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. It is of paramount importance that we unite in our unwavering commitment to justice, ensuring that the voices of the oppressed are heard and their rights are safeguarded. Immediate action is essential to prevent further atrocities and to provide the necessary support and protection to the victims.

Your dedication to these fundamental values is essential in our collective endeavour to cultivate a just and peaceful world. We must act now to uphold justice and human dignity.

With utmost respect,

Wimal Navaratnam
CAO-ABC Tamil Oli
Human Rights Activist
Email: tamilolicanada@gmail.com

A Call for International Accountability and Protection of Tamil Rights

Sri Lanka's Genocidal Policies Against the Tamil Population

Executive Summary

This report highlights the urgent need for international attention to the Sri Lankan government's deceptive political strategies, referred to as 'Fox Tactics'. These tactics aim to mislead the global community while continuing systemic violations against the Tamil population. The report calls for accountability and an international investigation into alleged war crimes and ethnic cleansing. It outlines historical patterns of broken agreements, current human rights abuses, and legal comparisons to support lobbying efforts. Additionally, it proposes a diaspora-led remittance leverage model to promote compliance with international law.

Methodology

The methodology employed in this report includes a comprehensive review of historical agreements, analysis of current human rights violations, and comparison with international legal frameworks. Data sources include reports from ABC Tamil Oli, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and other international organizations. The report also incorporates legal matrices and diaspora remittance models to provide a multifaceted approach to advocacy.

Anatomy of “Fox Tactics”

The term 'Fox Tactics' refers to the deceptive strategies employed by the Sri Lankan government to mislead the international community while continuing systemic violations against the Tamil population. These tactics are multifaceted and include the following elements:

Manipulation of Media Narratives

The Sri Lankan government has been adept at controlling and manipulating media narratives to present a favourable image to the international community. This involves disseminating propaganda that portrays the government as committed to peace and development, while simultaneously suppressing reports of human rights abuses and violations against the Tamil population ¹. State-controlled media often highlight development projects and reconciliation efforts, creating a facade of progress and stability¹.

False Promises of Reconciliation

The government frequently makes false promises of reconciliation and peace to placate international concerns. These promises include commitments to investigate war crimes, release political prisoners, and restore land to displaced Tamil families ¹. However, these promises are rarely fulfilled, and the government continues to engage in actions that undermine Tamil rights and autonomy ¹. For example, despite pledges to demilitarize Tamil regions, military presence remains pervasive, contributing to ongoing intimidation and suppression ¹.

Use of Legal Frameworks to Suppress Dissent

The Sri Lankan government employs legal frameworks, such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), to suppress dissent and target Tamil activists and leaders¹. The PTA allows for arbitrary detention, torture, and prolonged imprisonment without trial, effectively silencing voices that challenge the government's narrative ¹. Reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented widespread abuses under the PTA, highlighting its role in perpetuating human rights violations.

Cultural Erasure and Demographic Manipulation

Cultural erasure is a significant component of 'Fox Tactics', where the government systematically destroys Tamil heritage sites and imposes Sinhalese cultural symbols ¹. This includes the construction of Buddhist stupas over Hindu temples and the renaming of Tamil towns with Sinhalese names ¹. Additionally, demographic manipulation through settlement schemes aims to alter the ethnic composition of Tamil regions, further marginalizing the Tamil population.

International Diplomacy and Lobbying

The Sri Lankan government engages in extensive international diplomacy and lobbying to counteract negative perceptions and garner support from influential nations ¹. This involves diplomatic missions, participation in international forums, and lobbying efforts to present Sri Lanka as a stable and progressive nation ¹. These efforts often succeed in diverting attention from the ongoing human rights abuses and securing economic and military aid.

These 'Fox Tactics' are designed to create a veneer of legitimacy and progress while concealing the systemic violations against the Tamil population. The international community must remain vigilant and hold the Sri Lankan government accountable for its actions.

Historical Context of Broken Agreements

Since gaining independence in 1948, Sri Lanka has consistently violated agreements made with Tamil leaders, demonstrating a pattern of undermining Tamil autonomy and rights. Notable agreements include the Banda-Chelva Pact (1957), which aimed to address Tamil grievances through regional councils, and the Dudley-Chelva Agreement (1965), which sought to establish district councils with devolved powers 1. Both agreements were unilaterally abrogated by the Sri Lankan government, leading to increased Tamil disenchantment and demands for autonomy.

The Thimpu Talks (1985) marked another failed attempt at negotiation, where Tamil representatives articulated their fundamental principles, including recognition of Tamil nationality and the right to self-determination 1. Despite initial progress, the talks collapsed due to the government's refusal to concede these principles ¹. Subsequent peace proposals by Chandrika Kumaratunga (1994) and Ranil Wickremesinghe (2002) also failed to bring lasting peace, as the government reneged on promises of devolution and power-sharing.

Current Human Rights Violations

These actions align with stage eight of the ten stages of genocide, as defined by Dr. Gregory Stanton, which involves persecution and denial of the victim group's rights ². The violations constitute breaches of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, which protect civilian populations during conflicts ². Reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have highlighted these abuses, calling for urgent international intervention ².

Ten Stages of Genocide

10 Stages of Genocide as defined by Dr. Gregory Stanton, along with descriptions of each stage and a comparison to the current situation in Tamil regions:

Stage	Description	Comparison to Tamil Regions
*1. Classification*	Distinguishing people into 'us and them' by ethnicity, race, religion, or nationality.	Tamils are classified as a distinct ethnic group, separate from the Sinhalese majority.
*2. Symbolization*	Assigning names or symbols to the classifications.	Tamils are often labeled with derogatory terms and symbols.
*3. Discrimination*	Using law, customs, and political power to deny rights to the targeted group.	Tamils face systemic discrimination in employment, education, and political representation.
*4. Dehumanization*	Denying the humanity of the targeted group, equating them with animals, vermin, or diseases.	Tamils are dehumanized through propaganda and hate speech, portraying them as terrorists.
*5. Organization*	Organizing the genocide, often by the state or militias.	The Sri Lankan government and military are organized to carry out actions against Tamils.
*6. Polarization*	Driving the groups apart through propaganda and laws.	Polarization is evident through anti-Tamil rhetoric and policies that marginalize Tamils.
*7. Preparation*	Preparing for the extermination, including identifying and segregating victims.	Tamils are segregated in militarized zones, and their lands are confiscated.
*8. Persecution*	Victims are identified and targeted, and their rights are systematically violated.	Tamils face land grabs, military occupation, and cultural erasure, aligning with stage eight.
*9. Extermination*	Mass killing is legally called 'genocide'.	Allegations of mass killings during the civil war, particularly in Mullivaikkal.
*10. Denial*	Denying the genocide, often blaming the victims.	The Sri Lankan government denies allegations of genocide and war crimes, blaming the victims.

This comparison highlights the alignment of current actions in Tamil regions with the stages of genocide, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention and accountability.

Accountability Matrix | Sri Lankan Violations vs. International Law

Goal: Provide a one-sheet mapping of every major breach to its legal anchor.

Alleged Violation	Instrument Breached	Article	Evidence	Remedy Path	Notes
Indiscriminate shelling of “No	Fire Zones”	Geneva Conventions IV & AP II Article 13(2) & 17	UN Panel of Experts, OISL, satellite imagery	ICC referral or universal jurisdiction	*2009 final offensive.*
Enforced Disappearances (70,000+)	ICPPED	Article 1,4	WGEID reports, Mannar mass graves	Individual CAT/WGEID complaints; Magnitsky sanctions	*Ongoing.*
Torture in PTA detention	CAT	Article 2, 4, 15	Freedom from Torture med legal docs;	CAT Art 22 communication; sanctions UNCAT Concluding Obs.	*Systemic.*
Sexual violence against detainees	Rome Statute	Art 7(1)(g)	OHCHR investigations	ICC or hybrid tribunal	*Criminological pattern.*
Land grabs in Tamil heritage regions	UNDRIP	Article 25,	28Military farms, Buddhist stupas over Hindu sites	UNPFII; SR on Indigenous Rights	*Postwar colonization.*
Militarized demographic change	ICCPR	ICESCR 11,27	Census shifts; settlement schemes	Treaty body complaints; HR Council	*Longterm cultural erosion.*

Despite Sri Lanka’s repeated assurances at international forums, conditions on the ground reveal a starkly different picture, characterized by intensifying state control, cultural erasure, and institutionalized impunity.

Militarization & Land Appropriation

o Tamil-majority regions—particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces—remain heavily militarized, with an estimated one soldier for every six civilians in some areas.

o The Sri Lankan Army and Civil Defence Force have seized thousands of acres of private and public Tamil land under the guise of “development,” “security,” or religious preservation.

o Buddhist structures and shrines have been rapidly constructed in non-Buddhist communities, often with the backing of state archaeology departments, and the Occupying SL Military and other SL State officials ignoring court orders and local objections.

Suppression of Tamil Remembrance and Resistance

o Events commemorating the Mullivaikkal massacre continue to be banned, surveilled, or violently disrupted.

o Families of the disappeared face harassment, and human rights defenders—particularly women leading protests—have been detained under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

o Tamil political activists and journalists are increasingly targeted through digital surveillance and travel bans.

Diaspora Delegitimization and Political Gaslighting

o The Sri Lankan government continues to demonize the Tamil diaspora, labelling community organizations as “extremist” or “LTTE fronts” to justify international silence and surveillance.

o Diplomatic missions promote sanitized narratives of “reconciliation” while funding for affected communities remains negligible or co-opted by military-led initiatives.

o Attempts to engage the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) or moderate voices are often performative and strategically timed before UNHRC sessions.

International Inaction and Fatigue

o Despite strong UNHRC resolutions (notably 46/1 and 51/1) and repeated calls for accountability, Sri Lanka has evaded meaningful consequences.

o The Office on Missing Persons (OMP) and Office for Reparations remain widely discredited as ineffective and politically compromised.

o A growing sentiment of fatigue within international mechanisms, compounded by global crises, has relegated Tamil issues from priority lists in many capitals.

Legal Matrix: Sri Lanka’s Violations vs International Legal Frameworks

This section provides a comparative analysis of Sri Lanka's conduct against established international legal standards. It highlights specific legal obligations under various international frameworks, such as the UN Convention Against Torture, ICCPR, Rome Statute, UNHRC Resolution 30/1, and UNDRIP. The matrix outlines Sri Lanka's alleged violations, including torture, arbitrary detention, suppression of expression, war crimes, and land grabs, contrasting them with the protections guaranteed by international law. This comparison underscores the need for accountability and adherence to global human rights norms.

International Legal Framework

Sri Lanka has ratified and is bound by several core international treaties and conventions that establish clear obligations to protect human rights, investigate war crimes, and uphold the rights of minorities. Despite this, the state has consistently undermined or violated these obligations, particularly regarding the Tamil population.

Relevant International Legal Instruments

o The Geneva Conventions (1949) & Additional Protocols

§ Prohibit attacks on civilians and mandate accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

§ Violations during and after the 2009 Mullivaikkal offensive remain unaddressed.

o The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (1998)

§ Though Sri Lanka is not a party, UN Security Council referral or state referrals could trigger jurisdiction for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

§ Crimes such as extermination, forcible transfer of population, and sexual violence during the war align with Rome Statute definitions.

o International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

§ Sri Lanka ratified this in 1980; it guarantees freedom of expression, assembly, fair trial, and protection from arbitrary detention.

§ Widespread use of the PTA, military courts, and arbitrary detention of Tamil activists violates this covenant.

o UN Convention Against Torture (CAT)

§ Sri Lanka is obligated to investigate and prosecute acts of torture.

§ Reports from the UN Special Rapporteur and OISL cite systematic torture of Tamil detainees’ post-conflict.

o International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED)

§ Although Sri Lanka acceded in 2016, it has not criminalized enforced disappearance domestically, nor held any military or police personnel accountable for thousands of unresolved cases.

o UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948)

§ Obligates states to prevent and punish genocide.

§ Given Sri Lanka's alignment with Stages 6–9 of genocide, international intervention becomes not just justifiable, but necessary.

UNHRC Resolutions

o Key resolutions like 19/2 (2012), 30/1 (2015), 46/1 (2021), and 51/1 (2022) have:

o Urged the creation of hybrid courts and special counsel to prosecute war crimes.

o Condemned ongoing violations (land seizures, surveillance, PTA abuse).

o Mandated the Office of the High Commissioner to collect and preserve evidence for future prosecutions.

But Sri Lanka’s consistent failure to implement these resolutions underscores the futility of soft diplomacy without enforcement.

Legal Obligation	Sri Lanka’s Conduct	International Standard
UN Convention Against Torture	Allegations of torture and disappearances	Prohibits torture under all circumstances
ICCPR	Arbitrary detention, suppression of expression	Guarantees civil and political rights
Rome Statute	Alleged war crimes	Requires investigation and prosecution
UNHRC Resolution 30/1	Non-compliance	Calls for reconciliation and accountability
UNDRIP	Land grabs and cultural erasure	Protects indigenous rights

5. Sri Lanka vs Ten Stages of Genocide

The comparison of Sri Lanka's actions with the ten stages of genocide, as defined by Dr. Gregory Stanton, reveals a disturbing alignment. International law articles and citations support each stage:

Stage	Description	Comparison to Tamil Regions	Supporting International Law
1. Classification	Distinguishing people into 'us and them' by ethnicity, race, religion, or nationality.	Tamils are classified as a distinct ethnic group, separate from the Sinhalese majority.	ICCPR Article 2
2. Symbolization	Assigning names or symbols to the classifications.	Tamils are often labelled with derogatory terms and symbols.	ICCPR Article 20
3. Discrimination	Using law, customs, and political power to deny rights to the targeted group.	Tamils face systemic discrimination in employment, education, and political representation.	ICCPR Article 26
4. Dehumanization	Denying the humanity of the targeted group, equating them with animals, vermin, or diseases.	Tamils are dehumanized through propaganda and hate speech, portraying them as terrorists.	ICCPR Article 19
5. Organization	Organizing the genocide, often by the state or militias.	The Sri Lankan government and military are organized to carry out actions against Tamils.	Rome Statute Article 7
6. Polarization	Driving the groups apart through propaganda and laws.	Polarization is evident through anti-Tamil rhetoric and policies that marginalize Tamils.	ICCPR Article 27
7. Preparation	Preparing for the extermination, including identifying and segregating victims.	Tamils are segregated in militarized zones, and their lands are confiscated.	Geneva Conventions Article 17
8. Persecution	Victims are identified and targeted, and their rights are systematically violated.	Tamils face land grabs, military occupation, and cultural erasure, aligning with stage eight.	UNDRIP Article 25
9. Extermination	Mass killing legally called 'genocide'.	Mass killings during particularly in Mullivaikkal.	Rome Statute Article 6
10. Denial	Denying the genocide, often blaming the victims.	The Sri Lankan government denies allegations of genocide and war crimes, blaming the victims.	ICCPR Article 2

Sri Lanka and the Ten Stages of Genocide

Using Dr. Gregory Stanton’s model, we can trace how Sri Lanka’s treatment of the Tamil population aligns with—and in some cases exceeds—Stage 8: Persecution, edging toward Stage 9: Extermination:

Stage 1–3 (Classification, Symbolization, Discrimination):

Institutionalized Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism creates a legal and social hierarchy, branding Tamils as the "other." Language policies (Sinhala Only Act), job discrimination, and erasure of Tamil identity begin here.

Stage 4 (Dehumanization):

State media and political rhetoric labelled Tamil militancy as “terrorism,” intentionally equating the broader Tamil population with violence. This served to justify mass internment and indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas.

Stage 5 (Organization) & 6 (Polarization):

Sri Lanka’s military buildup—particularly post-2009—saw heavy militarization of Tamil-majority areas, construction of new bases, and surveillance infrastructure. Community leaders were jailed, journalists exiled, and diaspora activists blacklisted.

Stage 7 (Preparation):

From the creation of state-run “rehabilitation” camps to enforced disappearances and mass graves (e.g. Chemmani, Mannar, and now Ariyalai Sindhubath), groundwork for long-term erasure is well-documented.

Stage 8 (Persecution):

Arbitrary arrests under the PTA, land seizures, cultural vandalism (temple demolitions, Buddhist monuments built on Tamil land), and restrictions on Tamil remembrance events illustrate targeted persecution.

Stage 9 (Extermination):

Evidence from UN OISL reports, independent investigations, and forensic discoveries suggests elements of this stage were enacted during and after Mullivaikkal. The ongoing failure to identify perpetrators, coupled with enforced demographic change, suggests this stage is not historical, but active.

Stage 10 (Denial):

State refusal to allow international investigations, destruction of wartime evidence, and rhetorical reframing of the civil war as “humanitarian rescue” shows persistent denial.

These stages correlate with multiple international legal frameworks:

- Rome Statute (Arts. 6–8: Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, War Crimes)

- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

- UN Convention on Genocide (1948)

- International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance

6. Current Ground Realities (2023-25)

Recent reports by ABC Tamil Oli and international organizations have documented ongoing human rights violations in the Tamil regions. These include systematic land grabs, where Tamil lands are confiscated under various pretexts, often without fair compensation. Military occupation remains pervasive, with high troop concentrations in Tamil areas, leading to intimidation and suppression of local populations. Cultural erasure is evident through the destruction of Tamil heritage sites and the imposition of Sinhalese cultural symbols. These actions align with stage eight of the ten stages of genocide, as defined by Dr. Gregory Stanton, which involves persecution and denial of the victim group's rights. The violations constitute breaches of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, which protect civilian populations during conflicts. Reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have highlighted these abuses, calling for urgent international intervention.

Current Human Rights Violations

Recent reports by ABC Tamil Oli and international organizations have documented ongoing human rights violations in the Tamil regions. These violations include systematic land grabs, military occupation, and cultural erasure, which align with stage eight of the ten stages of genocide, as defined by Dr. Gregory Stanton.

Systematic Land Grabs

Tamil lands are being confiscated under various pretexts, often without fair compensation or consent. These land grabs are carried out under the guise of development projects, security measures, or archaeological preservation. The confiscated lands are frequently handed over to Sinhalese settlers or used for military purposes, further displacing the Tamil population.

Military Occupation

Military occupation remains pervasive in Tamil areas, with high troop concentrations leading to intimidation and suppression of local populations. The presence of the military in civilian areas disrupts daily life and creates an atmosphere of fear and control. Reports indicate that the military is involved in various human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

Cultural Erasure

Cultural erasure is evident through the destruction of Tamil heritage sites and the imposition of Sinhalese cultural symbols. This includes the demolition of Hindu temples and the construction of Buddhist stupas in their place. The renaming of Tamil towns with Sinhalese names is another tactic used to erase Tamil cultural identity. These actions are part of a broader strategy to assimilate Tamil regions into the Sinhalese-dominated state .

Persecution and Denial of Rights

These actions align with stage eight of the ten stages of genocide, which involves persecution and denial of the victim group's rights. The violations constitute breaches of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, which protect civilian populations during conflicts. Reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have highlighted these abuses, calling for urgent international intervention.

International Calls for Intervention

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented these abuses and called for urgent international intervention. They emphasize the need for accountability and adherence to international human rights norms. The international community's response is crucial in addressing these violations and ensuring justice for the Tamil population.

Risks of Non-Intervention

The international community's pattern of condemning without acting, and endorsing reconciliation without accountability comes at a high cost—not just to the Tamil people, but to global norms of justice and prevention.

Normalizing Impunity

o Failure to prosecute war crimes sends a clear message: state actors can massacre civilians, erase evidence, and avoid consequences.

o Sri Lanka’s ability to co-opt human rights language while evading international scrutiny further legitimizes “performative compliance” as a diplomatic strategy for authoritarian regimes elsewhere.

Risk of Recurrence

o As Gregory Stanton’s Ten Stages of Genocide model warns, genocide is a process, not a singular act. Without disruption, Sri Lanka remains on a trajectory toward Stage 9: Extermination, especially as demographic engineering continues unchecked.

o New evidence, such as the 2025 human remains discovery in Ariyalai Sindhubath, isn’t just historical. It indicates possible ongoing crimes, requiring immediate international forensic intervention.

Collapse of Minority Protections

o Without targeted action, the Tamil community—already facing language, land, and political marginalization—risks becoming stateless within their own homeland.

o International silence emboldens policies of Sinhalization, reducing pluralism and exacerbating instability.

Undermining Global Human Rights Mechanisms

o Continued inaction tarnishes the credibility of the UN Human Rights Council, ICC, and regional institutions.

o Victims, survivors, and defenders lose faith in multilateral diplomacy, making grassroots extremism and despair more likely.

Escalation of Violence and Human Rights Abuses

Without international intervention, the Sri Lankan government may continue its oppressive policies unchecked, leading to further escalation of violence and human rights abuses. The Tamil population, already facing systematic persecution, could experience increased levels of violence, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented numerous instances of arbitrary detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), where individuals are held without charge for extended periods, often subjected to torture and ill-treatment.

The lack of accountability may embolden the government to intensify its actions against the Tamil community, resulting in greater suffering and loss of life. For example, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has reported on the widespread use of torture and sexual violence against detainees, highlighting the systemic nature of these abuses. The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has also documented cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, further illustrating the severe human rights violations faced by the Tamil population.

The ongoing military occupation in Tamil regions exacerbates the situation, with high troop concentrations leading to intimidation and suppression of local populations. The presence of the military in civilian areas disrupts daily life and creates an atmosphere of fear and control. Reports indicate that the military is involved in various human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

The international community's failure to address these violations undermines the credibility of global human rights mechanisms, such as the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Non-intervention sends a message that human rights violations can be committed with impunity, eroding the effectiveness of these institutions and weakening their ability to hold perpetrators accountable. For instance, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Article 2 emphasizes the obligation of states to respect and ensure the rights recognized in the Covenant without discrimination. Similarly, the Rome Statute Article 6 defines genocide and mandates the prosecution of individuals responsible for such crimes.

The risks of non-intervention are significant and multifaceted. Failure to address these violations can lead to several adverse consequences, including the escalation of violence and human rights abuses, undermining international human rights frameworks, destabilizing the region, loss of cultural heritage, economic impact, and moral and ethical responsibility. The global community must act decisively to protect human rights, promote justice, and prevent further atrocities.

Undermining International Human Rights Frameworks

Non-intervention undermines the credibility of international human rights frameworks and sets a dangerous precedent for other nations. If the international community fails to act decisively, it sends a message that human rights violations can be committed with impunity. This erodes the effectiveness of global human rights mechanisms, such as the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), and weakens their ability to hold perpetrators accountable. For instance, the ICCPR Article 2 emphasizes the obligation of states to respect and ensure the rights recognized in the Covenant without discrimination. Similarly, the Rome Statute Article 6 defines genocide and mandates the prosecution of individuals responsible for such crimes.

Destabilization of the Region

The ongoing human rights violations in Sri Lanka have the potential to destabilize the region significantly. The persecution of the Tamil population can lead to increased tensions and conflict, both within Sri Lanka and with neighbouring countries. For instance, the displacement of Tamil communities due to systematic land grabs and military occupation has resulted in a significant influx of refugees into neighbouring countries such as India, creating humanitarian crises and straining resources. Reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented these abuses, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention.

Regional instability can also have broader geopolitical implications, affecting trade, security, and diplomatic relations. The presence of a large number of refugees can disrupt local economies and create security challenges, as displaced populations may be vulnerable to exploitation and radicalization. Additionally, the ongoing conflict and human rights abuses can deter foreign investment and hinder economic development in the region, further exacerbating the situation.

The international community's failure to address these violations undermines the credibility of global human rights mechanisms, such as the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Non-intervention sends a message that human rights violations can be committed with impunity, eroding the effectiveness of these institutions and weakening their ability to hold perpetrators accountable. For instance, the ICCPR Article 2 emphasizes the obligation of states to respect and ensure the rights recognized in the Covenant without discrimination. Similarly, the Rome Statute Article 6 defines genocide and mandates the prosecution of individuals responsible for such crimes.

Loss of Cultural Heritage

The systematic destruction of Tamil heritage sites and the imposition of Sinhalese cultural symbols contribute significantly to the loss of cultural heritage in Sri Lanka. Non-intervention allows these actions to continue, erasing the rich cultural history of the Tamil population. This cultural erasure not only impacts the identity and heritage of the Tamil community but also diminishes the cultural diversity of the region as a whole.

Destruction of Tamil Heritage Sites

Tamil heritage sites, including Hindu temples, historical monuments, and cultural landmarks, are being systematically destroyed or repurposed. For example, the demolition of the ancient Thiruketheeswaram Temple in Mannar and the construction of Buddhist stupas in its place is a common practice aimed at erasing Tamil cultural identity . The renaming of Tamil towns with Sinhalese names, such as changing the name of the town "Kokkilai" to "Kokilai," further contributes to the erasure of Tamil heritage . These actions are part of a broader strategy to assimilate Tamil regions into the Sinhalese-dominated state .

Imposition of Sinhalese Cultural Symbols

The imposition of Sinhalese cultural symbols, such as Buddhist stupas and Sinhalese monuments, is another tactic used to erase Tamil cultural identity. These symbols are often placed in prominent locations, overshadowing Tamil heritage sites and altering the cultural landscape of Tamil regions . For instance, the construction of a large Buddha statue in the predominantly Tamil area of Mullaitivu serves to marginalize the Tamil population and undermine their cultural heritage .

Impact on Tamil Identity and Heritage

The loss of cultural heritage has profound implications for the Tamil community. It affects their sense of identity, history, and belonging. The destruction of heritage sites and the imposition of foreign cultural symbols disrupt the continuity of Tamil cultural traditions and practices. This cultural erasure not only impacts the Tamil community but also diminishes the cultural diversity of the region, leading to a homogenized cultural landscape.

International Legal Frameworks

These actions constitute breaches of international legal frameworks that protect cultural heritage and the rights of indigenous populations. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Article 25 emphasizes the rights of indigenous peoples to maintain and protect their cultural heritage . The Geneva Conventions also protect cultural property during conflicts, prohibiting the destruction of cultural heritage sites . Reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have highlighted these abuses, calling for urgent international intervention .

International Calls for Intervention

Economic Impact

The ongoing human rights violations and the lack of intervention can have significant economic impacts. The Tamil population, facing discrimination and persecution, may be unable to contribute effectively to the economy. The confiscation of Tamil lands and resources further exacerbates economic disparities. Additionally, the instability and conflict resulting from non-intervention can deter foreign investment and hinder economic development in the region.

Moral and Ethical Responsibility

The international community has a moral and ethical responsibility to intervene in situations of gross human rights violations. Non-intervention in Sri Lanka's ongoing abuses against the Tamil population is a failure to uphold these principles. The global community must act decisively to protect human rights, promote justice, and prevent further atrocities.

These details underscore the urgent need for international intervention to address the ongoing human rights violations in Sri Lanka.

9. Recommendations

To address the systemic persecution of Tamils and reverse Sri Lanka’s slide into authoritarian impunity, a multi-pronged approach is essential. Here’s a breakdown of targeted, actionable recommendations for various stakeholders:

For International Human Rights Institutions & UN Bodies

Mandate Independent Investigations

Empower the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to launch field-based, victim-centred investigations with forensic access to sites like Ariyalai Sindhubath, without relying on Sri Lankan cooperation.

Refer Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Through the UN Security Council or state-party referrals, pursue prosecution of atrocity crimes under Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute.

Impose Targeted Sanctions

Implement Magnitsky-style sanctions on key military and political officials linked to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and obstructing justice.

Appoint a UN Spécial Rapporteur on Sri Lanka

Create a permanent mandate to monitor Tamil rights, land acquisition abuses, and state surveillance.

For Foreign Governments and Parliaments

Pass Resolutions Recognizing the Tamil Genocide

Follow the example of Ontario, Québec, France (subnational), and cities like Brampton and La Courneuve. These set diplomatic and symbolic precedents.

Suspend Trade and Military Engagement

Link economic partnerships and military training programs to concrete human rights benchmarks, verified by independent observers.

"Host dialogues on Transitional Justice for the Diaspora."

Engage Tamil civil society in designing post-impunity justice frameworks, outside Colombo’s influence.

For Diaspora Advocacy Networks

Decentralized Leadership

Create inclusive, multilingual platforms that unite Eelam Tamils across ideological and generational divides. Prioritize gender-inclusive, victim-led forums.

Invest in Digital Evidence Archiving

Build a secure, decentralized platform for testimonies, satellite data, forensic reports, and legal filings to support international accountability.

Challenge Performative Diplomacy

Launch coordinated campaigns to expose states that endorse Sri Lanka’s “transitional justice” façade without backing enforcement.

Political and Civil Society Leaders (Local & Global)

Articulate a Roadmap for Self-Determination

Develop updated legal arguments for referenda, regional autonomy, or federal restructuring rooted in UN charters and ICJ precedents.

Strengthening Political Participation

Create mentoring pipelines, fellowships, and leadership academies that train young Tamils in diplomacy, public policy, and transitional justice advocacy.

Build Cross-Movement Solidarity

Join with Palestinians, West Papuans, Rohingya, Uyghurs, and others facing slow-motion atrocities to amplify visibility and learn from parallel resistance frameworks.

The report recommends several actions to address the situation in Sri Lanka:

International Investigation: Conduct thorough investigations into alleged war crimes and human rights violations.
Accountability Measures: Implement sanctions and legal actions against individuals and entities responsible for violations.
Support for Tamil Rights: Advocate for the protection and promotion of Tamil rights through diplomatic channels and international organizations.
Diaspora Engagement: Utilize diaspora remittances as leverage to promote compliance with human rights benchmarks.

Advocacy Campaign Blueprint

This section outlines a comprehensive advocacy strategy tailored for international human rights defenders, Tamil civil society, diaspora networks, and supportive governments. The goal: mobilize global pressure, reshape the narrative, and drive concrete policy outcomes.

Global Advocacy Objectives

o Elevate Tamil demands for justice, accountability, and self-determination on the world stage.

o Shift the international narrative away from reconciliation rhetoric toward structural change.

o Build transnational alliances that frame Sri Lanka’s crisis as part of a broader struggle for indigenous rights and decolonization.

Pillars of the Campaign

1. Narrative Reframing

o Launch the term “Fox Tactics” globally through think pieces, infographics, webinars, and storytelling campaigns to describe Sri Lanka’s cycle of deception.

o Use the Ten Stages of Genocide framework to ground Tamil claims in international genocide prevention discourse.

2. Grassroots Mobilization

o Organize coordinated global Tamil action weeks, especially around UNHRC sessions, Mullivaikkal remembrance, and Human Rights Day.

o Encourage Tamil youth movements to run digital campaigns in native languages, breaking language silos and mainstreaming advocacy.

3. International Legal Engagement

o Fund and file universal jurisdiction cases in countries like Switzerland, Germany, and the UK targeting known perpetrators.

o Partner with international legal clinics and NGOs to build a “case bank” of evidence for future prosecutions.

4. Diplomatic Pressure

o Launch city and state resolutions across the diaspora—especially in Europe, North America, and Oceania—to build symbolic recognition of Tamil genocide and spur national-level action.

o Lobby sympathetic MPs, MEPs, and parliamentarians to introduce formal condemnations and hearings in national legislatures.

5. Media and Cultural Strategy

o Collaborate with journalists, filmmakers, and artists to tell victim-centered stories. Documentaries and oral histories can humanize the crisis.

o Create Tamil genocide archives and traveling exhibits, especially for institutions and universities.

6. Coalition-Building

o Forge alliances with groups advocating for Palestine, West Papua, Ukraine, Kurdish rights, and Uyghur communities.

o Use shared platforms to highlight colonial legacies, militarism, and the global south’s silence in multilateral forums.

The advocacy campaign blueprint includes:

Awareness Campaigns: Raise global awareness about the situation in Sri Lanka through media, social platforms, and public events.
Lobbying Efforts: Engage with policymakers and international organizations to advocate for Tamil rights and accountability measures.
Legal Actions: Pursue legal avenues to hold perpetrators accountable and seek justice for victims.
Diaspora Mobilization: Encourage the Tamil diaspora to participate in advocacy efforts and leverage remittances to promote human rights compliance.

Conclusion

This report has traced the arc of Sri Lanka’s strategic deception, from decades of broken promises to a modern-day campaign of performative compliance masking active persecution. The “Fox Tactics”—co-opting human rights language while continuing policies of dispossession, denial, and militarized control—are not only real but accelerating.

Evidence across UN documentation, legal frameworks, and forensic discovery places Sri Lanka squarely within the upper rungs of Gregory Stanton’s Ten Stages of Genocide. The country’s refusal to engage in genuine transitional justice, despite 15 years of post-war advocacy, signifies a systemic impunity that can no longer be met with cautious optimism or non-binding resolutions.

The international community must act—boldly and now. Every resolution without enforcement, every platitude unaccompanied by prosecution, chips away at the credibility of global human rights norms. For the Tamil people, especially survivors and youth, the stakes are existential.

The time for tempered diplomacy is over. What’s needed is a coalition of conscience—diaspora voices, international allies, and rights defenders—willing to rewrite the rules, amplify truth, and challenge systems that reward perpetrators with silence.

Justice delayed has become justice denied. But it is not yet justice forever denied.

Keywords

#Sri Lanka, #Tamil Genocide, #Human Rights, #International Law, #Prevention of Terrorism Act, #Diaspora Remittances, #UNHRC, #Rome Statute

References and Citations

Academic and Legal Frameworks:

- Gregory H. Stanton. (2021). The Ten Stages of Genocide. Genocide Watch. https://www.genocidewatch.com

- United Nations. (1948). Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. https://www.un.org/en/genocideprevention/genocide-convention.shtml

- United Nations. (1966). International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-covenant-civil-and-political-rights

- United Nations. (1998). Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. https://www.icc-cpi.int/resource-library/Documents/RS-Eng.pdf

UN Reports and Resolutions:

- United Nations Human Rights Council. (2015–2025). Annual Resolutions on Sri Lanka. https://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/sri-lanka

- OHCHR. (2015). Report of the OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka (OISL). https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/oisl-sri-lanka-investigation

Media & Human Rights Documentation:

- Tamil Guardian. (2023–2025). Coverage on Chemmani Mass Graves, Land Grabs & Tamil Advocacy. https://www.tamilguardian.com

- International Truth and Justice Project. (2024). Sri Lanka: Surveillance, Suppression, and Silent Genocide. https://www.itjpsl.com

- Amnesty International. (2023). Sri Lanka: Harassment of Tamil Families and HRDs Escalates. https://www.amnesty.org

Amnesty International. (2011). Sri Lanka: The Need to Address Persistent Impunity.
Human Rights Watch. (2022). In a Legal Black Hole: Sri Lanka’s Failure to Reform the PTA.
OHCHR. (2024). Report on Sexual Violence and Intimidation in Sri Lanka.
INFORM. (2025). Human Rights Situation in Sri Lanka.
Diaspora for Development. (2020). Diaspora Engagement Mapping: Sri Lanka.
SpringerLink. (2023). Political Remittances: The Tamil Swiss Diaspora.

Provincial and City-Level Resolutions:

- Legislative Assembly of Ontario. (2022). Bill 104: Tamil Genocide Education Week Act. https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-42/session-1/bill-104

- City of Brampton. (2023). Resolution Recognizing Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. https://www.brampton.ca

Sri Lanka's Genocidal Policies Against the Tamil Population

Exposing Deceptive Strategies and Advocating for Justice

Sri Lanka's Genocidal Policies Against the Tamil Population

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