OTTAWA,
ON, May 18, 2024 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister,
Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Tamil
Genocide Remembrance Day:
"Fifteen years ago, the quarter-century-long armed conflict in
Sri Lanka came to an end. Tens of
thousands of Tamils tragically lost their lives, including at the
massacre in Mullivaikal. To this day, many more remain missing,
injured, or displaced. Today, we honour the victims, survivors, and
their loved ones, who live with the lasting pain caused by this
senseless violence.
"Two years ago, Canada's
Parliament unanimously voted to recognize May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. We will
always advocate for justice and accountability for the crimes
committed during the conflict, as well as for the hardships faced
by all in Sri Lanka. In 2023, we imposed sanctions against
four former Sri Lankan government officials in response to their
violations of human rights in the country during the armed
conflict.
"Canada is a strong defender of
human rights in Sri Lanka. We are
advancing our work with international partners to fully implement
the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution adopted in
October 2022, which calls for greater
reconciliation, justice, accountability, and human rights in
Sri Lanka. And we continue to urge
the Government of Sri Lanka to
respect freedom of religion, belief, and pluralism – essential
values to build lasting peace.
"Today reminds us of our shared responsibility to stand up for
human rights, justice, and accountability – values that cannot be
taken for granted. Canada will
never stop its work to protect human rights across the
world. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite Canadians to join in
honouring the victims of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. Together, let us reflect on how we
can foster a better, more inclusive, and more peaceful world for
everyone."
This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca
SOURCE Prime Minister's Office