FRIDAY14 FEBRUARY 2014 Up to 100,000 people are evacuated and three major airports are closed, after one of Indonesia's most powerful volcanoes erupts on the island of Java. Two people were killed when parts of their homes collapsed after Mount Kelud's explosive eruption on Thursday night.
The initial blasts sent millions of cubic meters of dust and rocks into the atmosphere, according to the country's disaster agency, and the noise of the eruption could be heard up to 200 kilometres away.
Ash up to an inch deep covered Surabaya, the country's second largest city, and even farther afield in Jogyakarta, where motorists were forced to switch on headlights in daylight.
Jogyakarta, Solo and Surabaya airports were closed due to reduced visibility and the dangers posed to aircraft engines by the ash.
Ash thrown 17 km in the air
The country's disaster agency said tremors were still wracking the volcano, but scientists did not expect another major eruption. Nonetheless, people in Kediri, East Java, were being evacuated from their homes as a precaution.
"Areas to the west of Mount Kelud, including central Java, Yogyakarta, Cilacap, Magelang, Temanggung and Boyolali are still experiencing showers of ash because last night the biggest eruption... threw sand and ash 17km into the air to the west," National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Nugroho told Reuters.
Nugroho said the agency was still trying to confirm reports that two people had died.
"We don't have data yet on how many people have been evacuated in total. We can say 200,000 people were affected. We received reports of deaths but we have not verified them yet," he added
Indonesian police distribute face masks to residents on the streets of Malang, East Java province, as volcanic ash covered the city
Historians believe there was an estimated 4,000 slaves who were forcibly brought to Canada, either directly as property, or shipped through the trans-Atlantic slave trade from other British colonies-.
You’ve heard this story before, a group of slaves escape for freedom in the middle of the night. But, here’s the twist: These slaves weren’t running towards Canada, they were running away from it.
They were fleeing from Canadian slave owners and headed for freedom in Detroit.
The brutal depiction of life for U.S. slaves is back in the spotlight thanks to the Oscar-nominated film 12 Years a Slave. While American slavery is having its moment in Hollywood, the story of Canadian slaves — whose lives were as unjust and inhumane as those in the south — has largely been ignored.
“We tend to think of it as ‘not in my backyard’ myth about slavery,” says Delorean Kilen, project coordinator at the Ontario Black History Society. “People don’t remember that slavery existed here because we’ve been ‘slave-free’ longer than the U.S.”
Slavery existed in Canada for 200 years and was officially abolished 30 years before the Emancipation Proclamation order was issued by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.
Historians believe there was an estimated 4,000 slaves who were forcibly brought to Canada, either directly as property, or shipped through the trans-Atlantic slave trade from other British colonies.
In 1793, Upper Canada outlawed importing slaves and the practice was officially abolished in 1833 alongside the rest of the British Empire.
“It’s something that people don’t want to talk about and not comfortable talking about,” says Natasha Henry, a historian and educator. “Slavery was used as a tool for both [British and Canadian] colonies. “By ignoring that we’re not portraying a complete history of Canada.”
Rosemary Sadlier is one of many Canadians whose roots reach back to pre-Confederation. Her mother’s family can be traced to 1840, while her father’s ancestors arrived in New Brunswick in 1793.
“Everyone assumes that everyone who is black is a recent immigrant, but there are thousands of black Canadians who have been here since the founding of the country,” says Sadlier, an author and recipient of the Order of Ontario.
“In my younger years I didn’t come away with a real sense of my family’s historic contributions to this country and I think there’s a way that we are made to feel to various measures that we aren’t the same, we haven’t paid our dues, we’re visitors in someone else’s country,” she says.
“When you have something like black history it changes all of those stereotypes because you can’t be an unwelcomed visitor in a country that’s your own.”
Charmaine Nelson, an art historian and professor at McGill University, believes a heavy dose of corrective action is needed to educate people who see slavery as only an American experience.
“We don’t ever want to take credit for slavery in Canada so we have to keep it out there in the tropics or the U.S.,” she says.
Photos and portraits that depict slavery in Canada are not easily found or publicized, which adds to the difficulty Nelson and other educators have when talking and teaching the public about this stain on our nation’s history.
A painting originally called Portrait of Negro Slave is one of the few items that gives a face to slavery in Canada. The name of the portrait was controversially changed to Portrait of a Haitian Woman.
“The renaming in effect expels slavery from Montreal and Quebec, rendering it only a troubling history of tropical colonies like Haiti and not one of immediate concern to Canadians.”
Here are just a few of the many black Canadians who helped define and shape our country.
Measha Brueggergosman is a Juno award-winning Canadian soprano opera singer and recipient of prestigious Canada Council and Chalmers Performing Arts grants.
Malcolm Taylor/The Canadian Press
Here are some common myths about slavery in Canada debunked.
Slavery never existed in Canada, right?
FACT: Many Canadians are under the assumption that slavery never existed in Canada (or not at the same levels found in the U.S.), which is false. The first recorded slave to arrive in Canada was a six-year-old boy named Olivier le Jeune from Madagascar in 1628. Most slaves were imported from other British colonies and the Americas.
Was Canada the first country to abolish slavery before other parts of the world followed suit?
FACT: Although slavery in Canada was officially abolished in 1833 politicians enacted legislation in 1793 that would set limitations on slavery in the country. The bill meant slaves would secure their freedom at 25 if born a slave, which was no help to most since the average lifespan of a slave was 20 to 25 years.
Weren’t all black slaves who escaped to Canada from the U.S. afforded all the civil liberties enjoyed by other European Canadians?
FACT: Despite the warm and fuzzy images and scenes displayed in most current-day slave narratives, black slaves who escaped to Canada faced discrimination, violence and segregation. Unlike racist laws that were found in the U.S. (think: Jim Crow), Canada had largely unwritten racist codes, which many could argue made it more difficult for black people in Canada.
Slaves who escaped north lived out the rest of their lives in Canada
FACT: Some former slaves left Canada for the U.S. once slavery was abolished in America to escape difficulties in Canada and for chances at upward mobility afforded to them by moving to cities with higher black populations. Entire generations of black Canadians were completely lost to Canadian history by moving to the U.S.
The Human Rights Council must help Sri Lankan victims of human rights violations; the Government is protecting the perpetrators: Amnesty International's written statement to the 25th session of the UN Human Rights Council (3 - 28 March 2014)
ASA 37/002/2014
5 February 2014
Thousands of victims of human rights violations and their families have been denied justice, truth and reparation, as the Sri Lankan government concentrates its efforts and resources on blocking a credible international investigation of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the armed conflict between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) that ended in 2009.
"I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law ... I will perform non-combatant service in the armed forces of the United States ... I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation ... so help me God. "
The Oath of Allegiance taken by all naturalised Americans
(February 13, 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Spinning is an integral component of YARNS Rajapaksa Governance.
"Those who can not tolerate the country's growth after the Eradication of Terrorism are trying to take ME to the electric CHAIR", thundered President Rajapaksa, with an eye On elections.
Download the commentary / introduction to the Full report, Published below, As a PDF here .
As a report in table form Unable Download the PDF here or Read Online here .
# # #
The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) was established in May 2010 and the report of the Commission (LLRC Report) was presented to the President in November 2011, with Its subsequent tabling in the Parliament in December 2011. At the outset there were concerns, amongst others, to investigate violations of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Mandate to Address the root causes of conflict and limited Its about Sri Lanka's [1] .
Chief Minister of Northern province, CV Wigneswaran says that he will not be attending the 25th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in March.
Speaking to the media, subsequent to his meeting with the Norwegian Ambassador, Wigneswaran said that Ananthi Sasitharan will attend the sessions on behalf of the Northern Province.
The meeting between the Chief Minister of the Northern Province, CV Wigneswaran and Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka was held at the chief minister's official residence in Jaffna.
He also said: "Problems in the Northern Province is unique when comparing the problems in the other provinces. There are 49,000 widows in the province following the end of the conflict, we have a challenge ahead of us to restore their lives. The education in the province should be further strengthened. "
"Social issues in the province are on the rise. We have to find solutions to all these problems. We discussed about these issues with the Norwegian ambassador. they are ready to provide us with financial support. "
"However, they are of the opinion that we should join hands with the government and United Nations and find solutions to the problems faced by the people. They inquired as to whether we are in agreement to this proposal.? We said we have no objection to it, "he noted.
The Chief Minister was questioned on his participation at upcoming UN Human Rights council Sessions in Geneva.
He replied: "No, I will not be attending. There is no need for me to attend. Attention has been focussed on the governance and administration of the Northern Province. The parliamentarians will focus on politics. Ananthi Sasitharan will attend the sessions, representing the Northern Province. "
by Shamindra Ferdinando-February 12, 2014, 12:00 pm
Senior representatives of Tamil Diaspora have discussed sanctions against Sri Lankan government representatives with Foreign and Commonwealth officials in the House of Commons on Monday (February 10).
The discussion followed consultations British officials had with US Assistant Secaretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal a week before.
UK based sources told The Island that in spite of some differences among various Diaspora groups, those attending the meeting had agreed that travel restrictions should be imposed immediately after the endorsement of the third consecutive US-led resolution against Sri Lanka at the 25th session of the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
The US moved two successful resolutions targeting Sri Lanka in 2012 and 2013.
The Diaspora representatives have also urged the British to include required provisions in the proposed resolution to freeze assets of Sri Lankan leaders. Sources said that British and Diaspora representatives have essentially agreed that the resolution should ensure strong provisions to ensure witness protection among other actions meant to bring the government of Sri Lanka to its knees.
Among the British parliamentarians present were Lee Scott (Conservative) and Siobhain McDonagh (Labour). They represented the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Tamils, an all-party political grouping at the forefront of the campaign against Sri Lanka.
Sources quoted UK government representatives as having told Diaspora that there was a strong possibility of the majority of member states of the UNHRC backing the US resolution.
The UN rights body comprises 47 countries divided into five regional groupings. Asian and African groupings have 13 votes each, while the remaining seats are divided among Latin American and Caribbean states (eight), Western European and other states (seven) and East European states (six).
As the international community prepares to vote at the UN Human Rights Council on a Sri Lankan war crimes investigation, the Greens have secured and moved a successful Senate motion calling on the Australian government to support such an investigation.
This is a powerful message to the UN and international community: the Australian senate supports an international independent Sri Lankan war crimes investigation.
It is a long awaited response to horrific war crimes and human rights abuses committed in Sri Lanka.
The Australian Greens have consistently called for a war crimes investigation. We welcome Labor’s decision to now support this position.
I thank the Australian Tamil Congress for their help in securing this Senate motion.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott must end his appeasement of the Sri Lankan government which is designed to bolster his cruel refugee policies here in Australia.
Australia has co-sponsored the last two United Nations General Assembly Human Rights Council resolutions on Sri Lanka. It is crucial that Australia does the same at the coming March UNHRC meeting.
Further I am deeply concerned about news that some Labor MPs are now linked with the Sri Lankan regime after three Victorian state Labor MPs met with President Rajapakse last month.
Labor MP Liz Beattie’s reported comments that Sri Lankan men involved in the civil war are ‘men of courage’ are obscene and shocking. Many of these men are responsible for systematic rape of Tamil women. I have taken this up with my Labor colleagues.
The Australian Greens will continue to campaign for justice, peace and an independent international Sri Lankan war crimes investigation.
Kind regards
Lee
Senator Lee Rhiannon
Australian Greens Senator for NSW
72 Campbell Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
p: (02) 9211 9523 | f: (02) 9211 3312 senator.rhiannon@aph.gov.au
www.lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au
facebook.com/lee.rhiannon
twitter.com/leerhiannon
Feb 13, Canberra: The Australian Senate has supported a motion by the Green Party calling on the Australian Government to back an international war crimes investigation in Sri Lanka.
ATC's heavy lobbying with labor and greens has resulted in a labor party initiated motion co-sponsored by greens calling for an International Investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity passed today.
ATC is the member organization of GTF. GTF President Father SJ Emmanuel who is still in Oz is available for Comments On +61408100182.
Father SJE will be meeting Australian FM's Chief of Staff and other Senior Civil Servants including the Assistant Secretary, South Asia Branch with members of ATEL and ATC on Friday, 14/02.
Father SJE during his stay in Australia for over 3 weeks has met with several religious leaders including several current and former Bishops, Arch Bishops of States and the Cardinal of Australia.
Motion below:
Senators Stephens, Moore and Rhiannon and Senator Milne to move:
That the Senate-
(A) notes Australia's co-sponsorship of the:
(I) 2012 United Nations (UN) General Assembly Human Rights Council (HRC) resolution calling on the Sri Lankan Government to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission of Sri Lanka and to take credible and independent actions to ensure justice, equity , accountability and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans, and
(Ii) 2013 UN General Assembly HRC resolution expressing concern at continuing reports of violations of human rights in Sri Lanka, and reiterating the call on the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the Commission's recommendations and to fulfil its commitment to conduct an independent and credible investigation into allegations of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law;
(B) notes:
(I) continuing reports of violations of human rights in Sri Lanka, and international concerns about insufficient progress by the Government of Sri Lanka in addressing justice, reconciliation and accountability, and
(Ii) the forthcoming update to the HRC 24th session on the progress of the 2012 and 2013 resolutions;
(C) calls on the Australian Government to:
(I) maintain Australia's strong record of support for human rights at the 24th session of the HRC, including in relation to Sri Lanka,
(Ii) support the United States in its call for the 'international community to establish an independent international accountability mechanism to evaluate reports of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other human rights violations committed by both sides during and after the war in Sri Lanka '
(Iii) co-sponsor any United States resolution at the UNHRC in March 2014 regarding Sri Lanka's progress on accountability and human rights, and
(Iv) urge the Government of Sri Lanka to:
(A) allow unimpeded access for media, international aid agencies, and human rights groups into all regions of the country, as well as to detention sites that may hold political and war prisoners, and
(B) end its media restrictions, including the obstacles to the flow of information in the north and east, and bring to justice those responsible for attacks on journalists and newspaper offices.
Up to 100,000 people are evacuated and three major airports are closed, after one of Indonesia's most powerful volcanoes erupts on the island of Java.
A letter form Senator Lee Rhiannon
ATC's heavy lobbying with labor and greens has resulted in a labor party initiated motion co-sponsored by greens calling for an International Investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity passed today.