Deconstructing The UNHRC And The Western Approach To Eelam
Athithan Jayapalan
The much anticipated 25th session of the United Nations Human Right convention (UNHRC) is unfolding in Genève, and Tamils across the world are following its proceedings vigilantly. While some elements within the Tamil polity vehemently opposed the UNHRC process others desperately hoped that engagement would yield some concessions to alleviate the plight of their nation. The question of whether to denounce it altogether or not, the UNHRC caused an unfortunate division among the Eelam Tamil diaspora, the Eelam nation on the island and the pro-Eelam agitators in Tamil Nadu, India.
In this regard the UNHR draft resolution was leaked on 03.03.2014 to the anguish of the U.S. sponsored process of reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Transcending the internal divisions the leaked draft caused a widespread disapproval from various Tamil organizations and movements across the world for its insidious project of watering down an already toothless international stand on the government of Sri Lanka (GOSL).
Furthermore the politics inherent in the U.S. led resolution upholds the unitary Sri Lankan state and denies the genocidal nature of the crimes perpetuated against Eelam Tamils. Nevertheless the resolution holds the potential if steered correctly to transcend the arising divisions caused by the UN process amongst activists. Thereby it should avail the efforts to mobilize a united front among the forces advocating Eelam.
Silencing of Genocide and National oppression Read More
