frequency as to constitute widespread or systematic attack against the Tamil
population even if there was no formally stated army or defense ministry
policy promulgated in this connection.” It further noted that the Applicant in
that case had “seen many dead bodies of civilians and had seen soldiers shoot
innocent civilians, which was to ‘create fear and terror in the Tamil race’.
The practice of institutional racism in legislature which can be traced back to the
1950's in comparison with South Africa brings into question why pressure has not
been put on Sri Lanka to be removed from the Commonwealth earlier.
The UN Human Rights High Commissioner Ms. Navi Pillay has demanded that Sri
Lanka show accountability for the countless allegations made by March 2014 or face
an international investigation and has also noted the country’s drift towards
"authoritarian rule" with special regards to the erosion of the rule of law. There is no
need to mention that authoritarian rule is what justified the majority of suspensions
CMAG has taken action on excluding Zimbabwe. In light of the calls for reforms,
history of racial discrimination, the documented genocide committed by the
government, and current situation human rights abuses of Sri Lanka, there is
absolutely no justification under the criteria for membership of the Commonwealth
why Sri Lanka is allowed to remain a member and more so, is hosting the CHOGM
under the relevant statutes of membership criteria the Commonwealth.
THE EFFECTS OF CHOGM 2013
The effects of holding CHOGM 2013 in Sri Lanka are manifold. We believe that it
sends out a wrong message to the International Community that the Sri Lankan way of
solving national/ethnic conflicts is absolutely fine. If other countries decide to
emulate Sri Lanka’s path, it will result in a threat to the peace and security of the
world.
Furthermore, allowing the dictatorial Sri Lankan
President to assume the authority of Chairperson for the next two years will have
tragic consequences. Until 2015, Sri Lanka will chair the foreign ministers meetings
and have a seat on the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, the body charged
with investigating human rights, democracy, judicial or journalistic independence
violations.
“For the Commonwealth nations to bestow the honor on Sri Lanka of hosting
CHOGM and presiding over an organization as its chair for two years
legitimizes a multitude of sins and is the surest way to weaken the
Commonwealth and bring its credibility to serious disrepute” (Global Mail,
October 8 2013)
The question arises as to whether a head of state and a person accused of genocide,
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