For Immediate Release
April 11, 2024

Markham, Canada – Tamil Rights Group is pleased to announce its recent accomplishments. Through meticulous strategic advocacy and legal initiatives, TRG has made notable strides toward fulfilling its mission of safeguarding the rights and dignity of Eelam Tamils.

Established in 2021, Tamil Rights Group has quickly become a prominent advocate within the sphere of activism. Over the past year, the organization has focused on impactful advocacy, advancing its Article 15 submission at the International Criminal Court, defending Bill 104, submitting vital recommendations to strengthen Canada’s sanctions framework, and establishing a Tamil Rights Reference Library in Canada.

“While we take a moment to celebrate our accomplishments, it is imperative to recognize the time, passion, and commitment our volunteers and community members have put into our collective goal,” says Navaratnam Srinarayanathas, President and Chair of Tamil Rights Group. Building on the momentum created, Tamil Rights Group progresses toward its goal driven by a continued commitment to collaboration and partnership. “As we persist in our pivotal endeavours, we implore our supporters to stand alongside us,” emphasizes Mr. Srinarayanathas. “Your backing is indispensable in effecting constructive transformation and guaranteeing the triumph of justice. We seek the community’s support in the form of volunteers and donations to help us achieve our collective goal.”

For a comprehensive overview of Tamil Rights Group’s activities in 2023, please refer to the detailed summary below:

TRG supported Private Member’s Bill C-281, the International Human Rights Act which was presented to the Canadian Parliament by Phillip Lawrence, Conservative MP

This bill would enable Parliament to force the government to respond quickly to alleged human rights abusers around the world. TRG continues to advocate to strengthen Canada’s current sanctions regime while requesting additional names of human rights abusers in Sri Lanka to be added to the list. A third reading of the bill was completed in the house of commons in June and the second reading is currently underway in the Senate. more

TRG filed an Intervener Factum at the Ontario Court of Appeal  to defend the Tamil Genocide Education Week Act (TGEWA)

Our role as an intervenor in this appeal process was to ensure that the Appellants do not continue to seriously misrepresent the purpose of the TGEWA. There was  also a need to ensure that we highlighted for the courts the false and misleading statements on the facts being presented surrounding the genocide of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. On December 4th in the Ontario Court of Appeal our oral submission was presented by our legal representative Janani Shanmugaratnam of Goddard & Shanmugaratnam LLP. A decision from the courts is still pending. more

TRG attended a virtual off-record meeting with the Executive Directors Asia and Pacific countries at the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

The focus of the roundtable meeting was to discuss the IMF’s work, programs, and policies in Asia-Pacific countries. During the meeting, the TRG raised concerns about the disbursement of funds in the North and East of Sri Lanka. We emphasized the need for local civil society and elected representatives in the region to have more autonomy in determining how funds are spent. We also expressed our concerns about human rights violations and excessive military spending in the post-war North and East. A follow up meeting was scheduled for 2024. more

TRG addressed the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development

Katpana Nagendra offered insights and recommendations to enhance Canada’s sanctions regime. TRG’s recommendations included expanding sanctions to cover more officials responsible for humanrights violations and using the Magnitsky Act or SEMA in conjunction with other justice mechanisms. Katpana highlighted the ongoing humanrights abuses in Sri Lanka, such as arbitrary detentions, military presence inTamil regions, and the prevention of peaceful protests. TRG advocated for Canada to support international justice mechanisms, including the ICC, to address crimes against humanity; and stressed that sanctions should be a stepping stone to broader accountability efforts, as recommended by the UNHRC High Commissioner’s report in 2022, which referenced TRG’s ICC submission. more

Tamil Rights Group Opened Canadian Headquarters

TRG inaugurated its new office in Markham, Ontario along with the Maheswary Nadarajah Tamil Rights Reference Library, named after the late Mrs. Maheswary Nadarajah, the first female president of the Tamil Eelam Society of Canada. The library was initiated with a generous donation from the Nadarajah family as well as a donation of the late Dr. Winston Panchacharam literary collection.

The event was attended by various elected officials from different levels of government, including the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, and Investment. Greetings were also received from the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Official Opposition of Canada, and other prominent figures. Community organizers, leaders, and special guests also graced the occasion where TRG presented its inaugural Tamil Rights Defenders Award to David Matas, C.M., and Sarah Teich for their legal advisory contributions to the organization. more

TRG advocated for Justice and Accountability at the 54th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council

A delegation of five TRG members attended the session this year in Geneva Switzerland. The delegation advocated for transitional justice mechanisms, supported the renewal of the resolution, and provided input into a written statement highlighting the lack of efforts to bring justice regarding enforced disappearances and the exhumation of mass graves in Sri Lanka.

The delegation urged member states to appoint a special rapporteur and enhance the mandate of the Sri Lanka Accountability Project. Additionally, it called for engagement in the investigation and prosecution of international crimes using universal jurisdiction and appealed to the international community to sincerely investigate the mass graves. The delegation met with country missions, the Sri Lanka Accountability Project, and non-governmental organizations to advocate for an independent investigation mechanism and discuss collaborative efforts and strategies aimed at advancing justice and accountability in Sri Lanka. more

TRG and the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court Met to Discuss Sri Lanka Case

TRG and the International Tamil Refugee Assistance Network (I-TRAN) submitted a Communication to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November 2021requesting a preliminary examination into crimes against humanity of deportation and persecution against Eelam Tamils. This was followed by discussions with the Office of the Prosecutor and a meeting with the preliminary examinations team in the Hague in December to address jurisdictional legal issues for an additional follow-up submission. TRG is dedicated to pursuing legal avenues to hold the Sri Lankan state and individual perpetrators accountable for their crimes against the Eelam Tamil people. Truth, justice, and accountability are essential for genuine efforts toward social reconciliation, economic advancement, and transitional justice forthe Tamil people. more

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For all enquiries: Katpana Nagendra, General Secretary and Spokesperson | [email protected] | + 1 (778) 870-5824