REACH May 2011 35th Edition

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The official e-newsletter by Tamil Youth Organization (TYO) of Canada, created for a youth readership.

Transcript of REACH May 2011 35th Edition

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Vol - 35TYO - Canada MAY 2011

To work towards the enhancement of the

Tamil Nation and to provide an avenue

for the betterment of Tamil youth in canada

TYOContents

Feature Article 4Tamil History 5World History 6Youth Canada 7World Youth 17Spolight 18Did You Know? 19Face to Face 20Youth Reflection 22

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May, the month where everyone is ready for a fresh start many Thamils faced a brutal end a couple of years ago. The genocide that was occurring in Sri Lanka was at its most heated stages where the Thamils lost numerous lives to the hands of the Sri Lankan Army. During the climax of the genocide Thamils faced every unanticipated situation. Being born a Thamil at the time meant you had to face being displaced, separated from family, placed in concentration camps with no basic necessities, stripped of rights and honour and fight against death. Although years have passed since the final stages of the armed genocide, the Sri Lankan government fails to restore peace and freedom into the country. There are still innocent souls trapped in the concentration camps, there is still an absence of equality of rights on the Thamils share.

The Thamil diasporas protested through various methods to educate and bring attention to the human rights violations the Sri Lankan government continues to commit; however, the international community failed to tune in. Great effort

was put forth by the Thamil diasporas to give a voice to those silenced; Thamils globally united to resolve the ongoing crisis, unfortunately the international community have not given a favourable response yet.

The recently release United Nations panel report on Sri Lanka has been the most positive news for the Thamil community. The UN panel report along with media footage released by the media adds great strength to the plight of the Thamils. Now the Thamil community would want the world leaders and the international community to act on the UN panel report, conduct further investigation and coinciding punishments. It is a critical moment in the plight of the Thamils; thus, demands great unity and support of the community in order to achieve further progression and the goal we have all been longing for. Rising from the sorrows of May, we must reassure the world that our actions today will prevent another massacre. We must fight today, and then only do we have the right to hope for the reward tomorrow.

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eTamil Genocide Remembrance Month 2011

May 2009 was marked by the height of the genocidal onslaught committed by the Government of Sri Lanka against the Tamils in Sri Lanka. With the failure of international bodies to uphold human rights, tens of thousands of Tamil civilians lost their lives and countless others were maimed and injured in May 2009 alone. The slaughter of Tamils reached genocidal proportions in Mullivaikal, where 50,000 Tamils were slaughtered in cold blood within forty-eight hours. Following the massacre, 300,000 Tamil civilians were illegally forced into Sri Lankan government-run detention camps and denied their civil liberties.

Currently, after nearly two years since Mullivaikal, thousands of Tamil Internally Displaced People (IDPs) are still languishing in the Sri Lankan government run, in-adequately managed, poorly fed, military guarded, and over-crowded detention camps. TYO further recognizes that the Government of Sri Lankan has been tirelessly working to further marginalize

the Tamils in their homeland. The Sri Lankan government continues to colonize traditional Tamil lands in an attempt to break the continuity of the Tamil homeland. The security situation for Tamils has not improved either. Thousands are still kept in secret detention camps which have been justified by the Prevention of Terrorism Act which has not been repelled. Two years since May 2009, our brethren continue to suffer.

The Tamil Youth Organization’s call to the Tamil-Canadian youth and the broader community to mark the month of May 2011 as a month for remembering and commemorating the lives lost at the height of the Tamil genocide and understanding that the suffering of the Tamils in Sri Lanka continues was appreciated and well received in the community. It is important to continue to remember the countless Tamils who have been victims of the Tamil genocide.

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Tamil Genocide Remembrance Month 2011Tam

il History

Fifty-five years ago on June 5th 1956 Tamil political activists led by Parliamentarians of the Federal Party known as Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) conducted a “satyagraha”, peaceful protest, campaign at the Galle Face green opposite the old Parliament by the Beira waters. It was a non – violent protest against the imposition of Sinhala as the sole official language. Tamil leaders including SJV Chelvanayagam, GG Ponnambalam, and C.Sundaralingam who staged a peaceful protest (satyagraha) outside the Parliament were insulted, kicked and dragged to the Beira Lake, by an unruly Sinhalese mob organized by the SLFP government.

These ruffians first taunted the Satyagrahis and then threw stones. Realising that the peaceful protestors were not going to engage in counter – violence in deference to the essence of “ahimsa” the cowardly mob transformed into fierce warriors. They engaged in violence against the Satyagrahis. Several people including MP’s were manhandled. Dr. EMV Naganathan and VN Navaratnam were thrown in the lake. SJV Chelvanayagam’s son was mercilessly assaulted in front of the father who remained unmoved in the finest traditions of Gandhism. Several people had their ears bitten off to get hold of the gold ear studs. (kadukkan).The Police had been asked to remain inactive. The Prime Minister came to the balcony of Parliament building and observed the unfolding scene with amusement. When a senior Burgher Police officer approached him and requested orders to disperse the mob SWRD reportedly shrugged it off saying “Let them have a

taste of their own medicine”. Furthermore, Sinhalese mobs attacked and drove out Tamil families from their villages in the Gal Oya Valley in the Batticaloa District, burning their houses.

Second phase of violence against Tamils were orchestrated in 1958. The Bandaranaike-Chelvanayagam Pact was signed on July 26. However, SWRD Bandaranaike literally tore up the B-C Pact at the urging of a group of monks instigated by J.R. Jayawardene. Following the National Convention of the Federal Party (FP), anti-Tamil riots encouraged by the government took place throughout the country. More than 100,000 Tamils fled to their traditional homelands in the North East by boat. Government declared Emergency from May to February.

Once again, in 1961, FP calls a peaceful hartal (satyagraha) in the North and East. This time, Sri Lankan military moved into Tamil areas, and the army and the Sinhala Police unleashed violence on Tamil MPs who staged a peaceful protest against the Language of the Courts Act, which imposed ’Sinhala Only’ in the northeast courts. FP MPs arrested and detained for six months. With India gaining Independence through a non – violent struggle the Tamils heavily influenced by the Mahatma tried to follow suit. But the Sinhala rulers were not the British. Brute force both official and unofficial was unleashed against unarmed peaceful protestors. These violent acts prompted Tamils to look for alternative ways to win their rights.

Violence Against Peaceful Protests of Tamils

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Yasser Arafat was the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the coordinating body for Palestinian organizations, and head of Al Fatah, the largest group in the PLO. He was born in Cairo, but spent most of his youth in Jerusalem. He served in the Egyptian army during the Suez campaign (1956) and the following year moved to Kuwait, where he trained Palestinian commandos and edited Our Palestine magazine.

Arafat helped found Al Fatah and he went on to become the leader of Al Fatah. In 1969, Arafat was named the chairman of the PLO. The PLO won wide support among Palestinians and third-world nations during the 1970s and 80s. In 1983, after an Israeli invasion of Lebanon, PLO was forced to move its headquarters to Tunisia.

In 1988 the PLO, under Arafat’s leadership, in effect remained committed to looking at non-violent methods to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and accepted Israel’s right to coexist with an independent Palestine. A 1993 accord with Israel led to limited Palestinian self-rule in Jericho and the Gaza Strip in 1994, and Arafat became president of the Palestinian Authority. Arafat, Shimon Peres, and Yitzhak Rabin

shared the 1994 Nobel peace prize for the 1993 accord. A 1995 agreement called for self-rule for all Arab cities and villages in the West Bank by 1996; Arafat was elected president of the Palestinian-controlled territory in 1996.

In 1999, Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak signed an agreement to finalize their borders and determine the status of Jerusalem by 2000. The difficulty of resolving, however, those issues stalled negotiations and led to renewed violence. In that fighting, Israel, which accused Arafat of responsibility for Palestinian attacks on Israeli civilians, at times endangered Arafat’s personal safety and enhanced his support among Palestinians. Disillusionment with Arafat’s leadership within the Palestinian parliament, however, led it in 2003 to establish the post of prime minister in a largely unsuccessful attempt to reduce his power in the months before his death. Arafat was instrumental in bringing international attention and support to the Palestinian cause. His death in 2004 elevated him to an immortal Palestinian hero.

Yasser Arafat W

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Vol - 35TYO - Canada MAY 2011 Youth Canada

Initial awareness campaign efforts organized by TYO took place on Monday, May 9th at Dundas Square in downtown Toronto. This campaign highlighted the plight of Eelam Tamils particularly focusing on women. Many Tamil women were predominant victims of the twenty six years of civil war. This campaign was just a day after Mother’s Day so it made more sense and the supporting people were able to apprehend in relation to violence against women. The campaigns ultimatum was to educate the public about Human Rights violation against women both around the world and Tamileelam. Youth also had petitions and were obtaining signatures from the urban public to support the UN Panel. They were also leaf-letting and were verbally giving explanation to the concerns of the non-Tamil residents in the surrounding area. Young and Dundas attracts a lot of people and is known to be one of the busiest hot spots in Toronto’s downtown area yet many people stopped to listen and to sign the petition. This just comes to show that the average people are there voice for those voiceless and merciless people.

Mother’s Day Petition Sign

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G for Genocide - TorontoTamil activists in Toronto marked the second anniversary of Sri Lanka’s mass killings of Tamil civilians by launching an awareness raising street campaign titled ‘G for Genocide’.

Initiated by the Tamil Youth Organisation (TYO- Canada) on Friday, the campaign included engaging with members of the public in symbolic locations across the Toronto downtown core, as well as collecting signatures for a petition to the International Criminal Court to investigate Sri Lanka.

“We are encouraged that the international community has finally begun to open its eyes to [Sri Lanka’s] atrocities,” said Laxana Paskaran of TYO-Canada.

“It is been two years since May 2009, and the lives lost during the peak of the Tamil genocide will always remain in our hearts as we continue to campaign for justice and lasting peace for our people,” she added.

“We got an overwhelming positive response from our fellow Torontonians who not only signed our petitions but were interested to learn about the present situation in Sri Lanka and how they could help end the suffering of Tamils,” said youth activist Roshan Alisterosario.

“Building grassroots support for the opposition to Sri Lanka’s war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide will strengthen the call for justice,” said Ronklin Gracian, a coordinator of the Guelph-Humber Tamil Students’ Association.

“We will not stand in silence thinking that this liberation struggle is over. The bloodshed in May 2009 will not be forgotten as we, the Tamil youth will continue to fight against the discrimination and will continue to lend our voices to our brothers and sisters who have been silenced,” said Vithuren Sivaloganathan, the President of the Tamil Students’ Association at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus.

“As Tamil youth this is the best time for us to push for international investigations on Sri Lanka and bring a permanent independent solution for the Tamil people from the North and Northeast of Sri Lanka,” said Priyanth Nallaratnam, Vice-President Communications of York University’s Tamil Students’ Association.

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G for Genocide - Ottawa

The Ottawa Tamil community marks May 2011 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Month. On May 18th students and alumni from Carleton University and the University of Ottawa united to actively campaign and educate the student body about the horrid events that had occurred during the height of the civil war in Sri Lanka. With the support of the Ottawa Tamil community, students collected over 700 signatures for a petition urging the Prosecutor General of the International Criminal Court to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sri Lanka. Also, in memory of the 2009 Tamil Genocide, where thousands of innocent lives were lost during the last stages of the civil war a candlelight vigil was held near Parliament Hill.

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White Dove Campaign by UTSC TSA

On Monday, May 16, 2011 UTSC TSA organized a campaign, entitled The White Dove Campaign. The daylong event was held in hopes of raising awareness of the war crimes, crimes on humanity, and genocide committed by the Sri Lankan government. Along with the petition urging the United Nations and the International Criminal Course to open investigations in Sri Lanka, all supporters signed paper doves that read, “My name is ___________, and I agree with Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” UTSC TSA successfully reached their ultimate goal of 200 signatures of supporters who believe that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person (article 3), something that has been denied to the Tamil people. The doves were put up on red cloth and outlined the shape of Tamil Eelam.

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May Tamil Genocide Timeline by RYE TSA

To remember the May Tamil Genocide, Ryerson Tamil Students Association (RyeTSA) organized a “May Tamil Genocide Timeline” on Gould Street, Toronto on Tuesday May 17th. The timeline highlighted incidents that occurred during the time period of December 2008- May 2009. The timeline was setup so that university students and public was able walk through sections of the cafeteria to get a deeper understanding of what happened to Eezham Tamils and how Sri Lankan government programmed the final stages of genocidal war.

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War Crimes Day in Canada

On May 18th, Thousands thronged Queens Park in Toronto to remember, commemorate and demand for justice for the Tamils who have been systematically killed by the Government of Sri Lanka. War Crimes Day, was a part of the events organized by the community for the Tamil Genocide Remembrance Month. The event was attended by leading human rights activists, politicians, academics and community members.

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War Crimes Day in Canada

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New Trees Living Memorial to Genocide Victims

As part of the efforts to coordinate events and activities to mark Tamil Genocide Remembrance Month, the Tamil Youth Organization - Canada organized a tree planting event to commemorate and remember the victims of the Tamil Genocide. Planting for the Future proved to be a complete success as numerous trees were planted at Downsview Park to mark the peak of the Tamil Genocide in May 2009. The event was organized in partnership with Evergreen. Evergreen, is a not-for-profit organization that makes cities more livable. By deepening the connection between people and nature, and empowering Canadians to take a hands-on approach to their urban environments, Evergreen is improving the health of our cities—now and for the future.

“It is important to remember all of the victims of the Tamil Genocide. By participating in this initiative we are able to remember the countless Tamils who were systematically murdered by the Sri Lankan government. It also sends a message to our fellow Canadians, that Tamil youth are playing a vital role in the issues that affect Canadians such as in this case environmental issues” said TYO member Thurga Vijayapavan.

“We also have to remember that our people and land have been greatly affected in the Tamil genocide. Chemical weapons and other unlawful munitions were used to annihilate the Tamils and the environment of Tamileelam. We have to bring this to the attention of the international community” said TYO activist Pirathanya Arulpirabakar.

Downsview Park is the largest urban park in Canada and is designed to support environmental, social and economic sustainability. The design and operation of Downsview Park are guided by a set of five core values: sustainability, stewardship, play, legacy and beauty. The choosing of Downsview Park was also symbolic, as the park hosted Pongu Thamil uprising events in the past.

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Tamil Genocide Awareness Discussion by YU TSA

YUTSA commemorated the month of Genocide by having a discussion group. The event started off with the moment of silence. Students discussed about how to educate youths in our university, Imprinting our identity, history, our freedom struggle specially the last 30 years, Tamil Genocide and how to implement them into our future events for Tamil Eelam. The discussion was very successful. Tamil and non Tamil Students were actively participating and interacting with each other on how we should move into the future.

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Blood Donation

It has been two years since the mass killings against the Tamils in Sri Lanka. In marking the second annual remembrance, the Tamil Youth Organization Canada (TYO) has initiated a blood drive in partnership with Canadian Blood Services. The Blood Donor Drive carried the theme ‘Save a Life: To End Genocide Globally’. It took place at Square One Shopping Centre located in Mississauga on Saturday, May 28th.

Among the many busy shoppers were the anticipated donors waiting to contribute their donation in recognition of those that were lost at the final stages of the 26 years of civil war in Sri Lanka. Among the donors was Ms. Raj who stated ‘It feels great knowing that my donation can save up to 3 lives. As a Tamil born in Sri Lanka, I wasn’t able to do anything for those being shelled and loosing limps during the peak times of war in Sri Lanka. I sort of see this as an opportunity to make up for all that’.

The Blood Drive attracted many range of people varying from youth to adults and both Tamils and Non-Tamils.

Overall, the Blood Drive brought together many individuals with similar visions to give others a chance of life again. The words ‘Save a Life’ carry an important context that is controversial to the notion of Genocide. No nations should standby and watch such practice and demeaning actions taking place. This form of behavior should end with the fascist Sri Lankan government and as people of this world we will voice against human rights violations.

On behalf of TYO Canada – Thanks to all those that supported the cause.

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orld YouthWar Crimes Day Around the World

Belgium

Ireland

France

Germany

Italy

London

Norway

United States of America

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The Tamil Youth Organization-Canada is releasing a personalized stamp, ‘I Remember Tamil Genocide’, to remember and commemorate our beloved people and freedom fighters that had lost their lives in the struggle for justice, peace and liberty. It has been two years since Mullivaikal [May 2009], and the lives lost during the peak of the Tamil genocide will always remain in our hearts as we

continue our efforts to bring justice and lasting peace for our people. The time has come for the Tamil Diaspora to shoulder the fight for Tamileelam. The time has come for the Tamil Diaspora to unite and strengthen our voices for those who are voiceless. May this commemorative stamp release act as catalyst to serve that vision.

In remembering the Tamil Genocide

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id You Know?

The tomato is the world’s most popular fruit. And yes, just like the brinjal and the pumpkin, botanically speaking it is a fruit, not a vegetable. More than 60 million tons of tomatoes are produced per year, 16 million tons more than the second most popular fruit, the banana. Apples are the third most popular (36 million tons), then oranges (34 million tons) and watermelons (22 million tons).

Tomatoes were first cultivated in 700 AD by Aztecs and Incas. Explorers returning from Mexico introduced the tomato into Europe, where it was first mentioned in 1556. The French called it “the apple of love,” the Germans “the apple of paradise.”

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C and fiber, and are cholesterol free. An average size tomato (148 gram, or 5 oz) boasts only 35 calories. Furthermore, new medical research suggests that the consumption of lycopene – the stuff that makes tomatoes red – may prevent cancer. Lycopene is part of the family of pigments called carotenoids, which are natural compounds that create the colors of fruits and vegetables. For example, beta carotene is the orange pigment in carrots.

As with essential amino acids, they are not produced by the human body. Lycopene us the most powerful antioxidant in the carotenoid family and, with vitamins C and E, protect us from the free radicals that degrade many parts of the body.

The scientific term for the common tomato is lycopersicon lycopersicum, which mean “wolf peach.” It is a cousin of the eggplant, red pepper, ground cherry, potato, and the highly toxic belladonna, also known as the nightshade or solanaccae. There are more than 10,000 varieties of tomatoes.

Tomatoes are used in many food product, including, of course, tomato sauce (ketchup), pasta and pizza. According to a Steel Packing Council survey of 1997, 68% of chefs use canned tomatoes for convenience, quality and flavoring. It hasn’t changed much since.

A fruit is the edible part of the plant that contains the seeds, while a vegetable is the edible stems, leaves, and roots of the plant.

Cooked tomatoes have higher concentrations of lycopene than non-cooked tomatoes.

The World’s Most Popular Fruit

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Priatharsini Sivananthajothy is a fourth year student at University of Toronto specializing in Cell and Molecular Biology Co-op with a minor in International Development Studies. She has been actively involved with student governance at the University of Toronto Scarborough serving two terms as the Biological Sciences Director for the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union later becoming the first Tamil student to serve as Student Governor for the

University of Toronto Governing Council. Tharsini is also heavily involved in her department serving two terms as the Vice-President Sciences for the Co-op Students’ Association, recently starting her term as the President. Last but not least, the UTSC Tamil Students’ Association has been an organization very close to the heart after completing her term as Vice-President Internal, and currently taking on the role of Executive Advisor.

1. You have served two terms on the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus Student Union as the Biological Sciences Director and one term as Student Governor for the Full-time Undergraduate Students in Arts and Science at the University of Toronto’s Governing Council. In relation to your experience, why is it very important to get involved on campus?

Personally, getting involved on campus was a great way to relax my mind and a stress reliever by doing things I enjoyed. The SCSU and Governing Council were amazing opportunities to get involved with the day-to-day life of the university and I really enjoyed bringing forth ideas from the students to the table and bring about some change. It’s also a great way to meet enthusiastic people who share similar interests.

2. Many students avoid getting involved on campus because they think it will take away from the time they need to put forth into their education. How do you manage to make sure that school is a priority in order to avoid it taking the back seat when dealing with many other tasks and responsibilities?

To tell you the truth, I’m the biggest procrastinator when I have all the time on my hands. However, after becoming heavily involved on campus, I had to learn to manage my time correctly with all my extracurricular activities, studying, friends, family and even get a breather for myself. I think of it like this: the busier you get, the less time you have to waste.

3. You’ve been heavily involved with the Tamil Students’ Association at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. What would you say is a quality of TSA that sets it apart from other student groups on campus?

I’ve worked with many different organizations on campus and there is definitely one quality, which sets apart TSA from everyone else and that is our unity. TSA is not just an organization, or club, it’s family and it is this sense of belonging, which continues to unite us. From studying, to planning an event to even just hanging out, everyone on TSA does it together and I think it’s that bond that keeps us together during our lows, and makes our successes even more sweeter during our highs.

4. What do you believe is the role of the Tamil Students’ Associations and Tamil youth in the Diaspora in bringing justice to the Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka?

The Tamil youth in the Diaspora are the hope, the identity and the strength of Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka. Every year, we continue to not only remember our identity and history through events like Maaveerar Naal, May Massacre and Black July but also educate those around us in order to shed light and bring justice back home. I believe that as long as every Tamil youth proudly says that they Tamil and truly understand the meaning behind being one, then we are doing our job correctly and justice back home is closer than we may think.

Face to Face with Priatharsini Sivananthajothy

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Face to Face with Priatharsini Sivananthajothy

5. Every student walks into University with many goals and aspirations. Would you mind shining some light on your personal goals and what encouraged you to stand by what you want to achieve in the future?

I’ve always wanted to become a doctor, ever since I can remember. I still remember telling my teachers how I wanted to go back home once I was a doctor there and serve my people. Now I’m entering my fourth year of university and I still want to be a doctor and I still want to go back home more than ever. I hope to specialize in Global Health and work in International Health Development and make my life long dream to my reality one day.

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May 18th 2011, I had just got off the subway at the Queens Park subway station, downtown Toronto. Alongside the many other Tamils who call Toronto their home away from home, I walked up the many stairs and long corridors to the busy streets. Off in the distance, a sight very familiar for the past couple of years. A sea of people flooding the green lawns of Queens Park, enough to feel proud of my fellow brothers and sisters for taking the time out of their busy lives to come and remember those whom we have lost. For taking the time to show that our community still stands together and stronger than ever to make sure the world knows the crimes that were committed close to the end of a bloody civil war.

I made my way towards the lawn and the stage with my camera in hand, to join the many photographers that day. The wind blew strong and hard, threatening to give us down pours of rain. Throughout the day there were many performances and speeches, many of which brought out our emotions from deep within. Speeches which inspired were indeed plentiful, but to have most of them given by non-Tamils greatly showed us that we did not bear witness alone to the atrocities that were committed by the Sri-Lankan government against our families back home.

To see many new young faces helping around that day, definitely showed me that the fire which ignited a few years ago, still burned brightly more than ever before. The day quickly turned into night, and the many student volunteers began to make their way around, giving thousands of lit candles to the crowd. As darkness fell in the sky, the sea of people turned into a sea of light, each representing one of many lives lost. With one final speech, from a young youth activist, brought out powerful roars and cheers from many as they raised their candles as one.

As the final words to the crowd came to a close, the sea of light turned once again into darkness. As everyone began to disperse, the rain began to pour, after being held back for an hour or more. As one of the many young attendees that day, I would like to say I personally am proud of all who were able to show their support and many more who were there in spirit. This was one of 364 other days in a year where we must continue strive together to show the world who Tamils really through our unity, our identity, and our strength.

Common sense tells us that when the risks are weighed, the decisions are made very differently. When crimes against humanity are punished consistently and

severely, the killer’s calculus will change, and when a killer is allowed to walk away from his crimes, I believe that also tells him something. It sends a message to the

next that they need not worry, that they will most likely not be held accountable for their actions. I believe that the existence of trials alone has the potential to change

behaviour, but ultimately, we need to arrest those who are indicted. Without an arrest, we tell the victims of these atrocities that impunity is the rule of law.

- Angelina Jolie Actress, UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) Goodwill Ambassador

War Crimes Day Recollection

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REACH US @

Join TYOOur doors are always open to new members that are looking to make a difference for Tamils around the world.

As an organization with the interests of Tamil youth at heart, TYO provides opportunities for Canadian Tamil youth to network, contribute, and develop their skills in various areas as well.

Interested in getting involved?

Please contact us at [email protected] visit us at www.canadatyo.org

Speak OutAs Tamil youth in Canada, we have the ultimate duty of educating others, as well as ourselves of the suffering of the Tamil people. Understanding is crucial. And with understanding comes awareness, the most essential step in the path to progress.

Ignorance is not a bliss.

• Stay updated with recent news

• Write to your local politicians

• Attend rallies

• Enlighten non-Tamil peers

• Write a poem, articles, essay

• Research, understand and recite

Reach Designer - Shiyamdev.SReach Editor - Arul.M

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