On 13 August 2025, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, released a press statement emphasizing that Sri Lanka has a “critical opportunity” to overcome past human rights violations and establish peace and justice.
This represents a historic moment for the Eelam Tamils: a chance to secure justice, protection, and international cooperation to create a sustainable framework for human rights and peace.
Current Situation of Eelam Tamils
Human Rights Violations
Enforced disappearances: Thousands of Tamils have been forcibly disappeared during the 1983–2009 conflict and in subsequent political interventions.
Land rights violations: Tamils in northern and eastern regions face systemic denial of property ownership and displacement.
Political persecution: Arbitrary arrests, lack of legal protection, and targeting of activists and lawyers.
Socio-Economic Impacts
Limited access to education, employment, and social welfare.
Erosion of traditional social structures and community support mechanisms.
Analysis: While these challenges highlight systemic oppression, they also draw international attention, creating opportunities for advocacy. However, lack of organized Tamil representation could turn this potential into further disadvantage.
Role of the UN Human Rights Mechanisms
Resolutions and Investigations: Numerous resolutions and assessments have taken place up to 2025.
International Support: Some countries support Sri Lanka politically, while others actively condemn human rights abuses.
Challenges: Current government policies and geopolitical pressures make the enforcement of UN recommendations complex.
Analysis: Eelam Tamils must leverage international law and UN mechanisms to safeguard rights and ensure accountability.
Eelam Tamil Advocacy in Geneva
Key Actions
Presenting verified evidence of human rights abuses to the international community.
Engaging in UN forums to attract global attention to Tamil issues.
Strategic Approaches
Utilizing international media for global awareness.
Coordinating with diaspora organizations and human rights NGOs for collective advocacy.
Future Actions
Strengthening global human rights networks.
Using data mapping to document enforced disappearances, land violations, and other human rights abuses systematically.
Support and Opposition
Support: Countries condemning human rights violations, UNHRC resolutions, Geneva-based NGOs.
Opposition: Sri Lanka’s political allies, certain supporting states, and economic and political lobbies.
Analysis: Tamils must build strategic alliances with supportive states and NGOs while diplomatically addressing opposition to maximize impact.
Recommendations and Action Plan
➊. International Legal Measures: Pursue accountability for enforced disappearances, wartime sexual violence, and land rights violations through international courts.
➋. Global Tamil Networks: Strengthen diaspora and human rights organization partnerships for coordinated advocacy.
➌. Key Actions:
Secure permanent recognition in UNHRC sessions.
Publish press releases and advocacy campaigns with backed data.
Leverage education, outreach, and networking for global collaboration.
➍. Human Rights Awareness: Promote the plight of Eelam Tamils internationally to generate moral and political pressure.
Sri Lanka now faces a historic moment to break from past violations and establish justice, peace, and human rights protections.
Eelam Tamils, through organized, strategic engagement with international human rights networks and the UN, must assume responsibility for ensuring justice and peace both globally and in the homeland.
Written by
Eelaththu Nilavan
13/08/2025
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Amizhthu’s editorial stance.
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