Strengthening Advocacy Against Genocide & War Crimes Canada’s Leadership in Indigenous Rights & Global Accountability:  Author Contribution Statement: June 08, 2025, Brampton, Ontario. Wimal Navaratnam, as the Chief Administrative Officer of ABC Tamil Oli and a Human Rights Activist, contributed to the conceptualization, research, and writing of this article. Their extensive knowledge and experience in advocating for Tamil rights played a crucial role in shaping the content and arguments presented in this manuscript. “Let today serve as a reminder of the power we hold as a community —the power to demand accountability, amplify voices, and ensure that the victims of the Tamil genocide are never erased from history. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can uphold justice. ” - Wimal Navaratnam Introduction  In the aftermath of mass atrocities and genocide, communities worldwide often grapple with despair and disillusionment. Many victims and activists – from the...

The Historical and Political Context of Tamil Self-Determination in Sri Lanka Preamble The Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka have long been recognized as regions with a significant Tamil population. Historically, these areas have been predominantly inhabited by Tamils, and their cultural, linguistic, and historical identities have been shaped over centuries. This essay argues that the question of merging or demerging these provinces should be secondary to granting the Tamil people the right to self-determination and land rights. By examining the historical context, the political decisions surrounding the merger and demerger, and the implications of these actions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the core issues at stake. Historical Context Before Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, the Northern and Eastern provinces were distinct regions under British colonial rule. The island, then known as Ceylon, was divided into administrative districts rather than provinces. The ...

History Repeats: Vigilance Against Betrayal in 2025 Caution to the Tamil Community Ahead of UN Rights Chief’s 2025 Sri Lanka Visit Abstract This report examines the planned 2025 visit of Volker Türk , the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights , to Sri Lanka. The visit marks a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s human rights trajectory , as it follows years of unresolved accountability for war crimes, enforced disappearances, and political repression . With a newly elected government in office, UNHRC High Commissioner Volker Türk’s mission seeks to engage Sri Lankan leadership, civil society, and victims’ groups to assess ongoing challenges, push for meaningful reforms, and reinforce international scrutiny on human rights violations. The report outlines UNHRC High Commissioner Volker Türk’s core objectives , including justice for past atrocities, legal and institutional reforms, protection of civic space, reconciliation efforts, and ensurin...