Time for Witness
The UN Secretary-General must speak out about
civilian deaths in Sri Lanka
Ban Ki Moon the Secretary-General of the United Nations, visited Sri Lanka last week. He knew from his officials that at least 20,000 civilians had been killed by Sri Lankan troops in the offensive against the Tamil Tigers. Mr Ban never mentioned this figure to his Sri Lankan interlocutors. He saw, while travelling by air over a supposed “no-fire” zone, the evidence of a massacre of thousands of Tamil civilians caught between the army and the insurgents. Yet he has still not confirmed the authenticity of photographs taken from the same helicopter setting out that scene of carnage and mass makeshift graves.
There is a terrible augury for such inexplicable reticence. The day after Bosnian Serb forces seized Srebrenica, deemed by the United Nations to be a “safe area”, in 1995, Boutros Boutros Ghali, Mr Ban’s predecessor, was asked whether this represented the organisation’s greatest failure in Bosnia. He replied: “No, I don’t believe this represents a failure. You have to see if the glass is half full or half empty.”
The name of Srebrenica, in which 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were slaughtered, has become synonymous with insouciance and failure by the UN, and not only with the barbarism of the perpetrators.
Any parallel for the UN with what has happened in Sri Lanka must be scotched now. That can be done only by Mr Ban speaking forthrightly about what he saw. He is a civil servant rather than an executive; and the cause of historical truth as well as international protest depends on the UN Security Council’s having full and public knowledge of what he saw.
There is no case for restricting diplomacy to private channels. There is no confidential quality to what Mr Ban can testify. David Miliband, the British Foreign Secretary, was denied access to the north of the country when he visited Colombo a fortnight ago. He has a belated but important role now in pressing Mr Ban to speak.
There is no question but that the defeated Tamil Tigers were guilty of numerous depredations and horrific acts of suicide terrorism. Vellupillai Prabhakaran, the slain leader of the Tigers, denied, among other murderous acts, sending the assassin of Rajiv Gandhi, the former Indian Prime Minister; few doubt that he was lying. But the shelling of civilians in a supposed safe area and their deaths by the tens of thousands are not a matter for the Sri Lankan Government alone. UN sources have described the offensive as a war waged without witnesses. However just the cause and brutal the adversary, there must always be disinterested witnesses to military campaigns. That is particularly so with adversaries that practise indiscriminate attacks: there is always a temptation, in response, to suspend the laws of war and the observance of due process in the name of a higher necessity. And that temptation must always be resisted.
The Sri Lankan Government has much to account for. Yet it has responded with disingenuity and fantasy. It first denied the deaths of civilians and then claimed that the photographic evidence, repeated by independent witnesses, had been forged. In doing so, it is perpetrating sins of omission in order to obscure those of commission. Mr Ban must speak; the UN must investigate. Nothing else will demonstrate a decent respect for the opinions of mankind.
The international community and specifically the Tamils have lost confidence in UN and specially on Mr. Ban ki Moon and his representative Nambiar.
It is a very dangerous presedence if the Armed forces attrocities are not exposed and brought to justice. 20,000 innocent civilians are masacared.
Joe , Vancouver , Canada
Tamil Tigers, most ruthless barberic Terrorists, Tamil Diaspora who funded nearly 30 years for this illegal out fit & so called western world (not everyone few bully nations) who provide breeding field are responsible for this. find out what NGOs & INGOs have done in Sri Lanka. No war no job 4 them
Alaga Jude, London, UK
What pious posturings! Did Mr Ban indeed know from his officials that 20,000 civilians had been killed? In fact, John Holmes, the UN Under Secretary has said he cannot give a reliable figure. Mr Ban has already spoken and given the confusion he has raised so far, the less heard from him the better
cassandra, perth , australia
Tamil Diaspora who funded the bloody war , and the western governments who supported them are equally at fault as much as the Sri Lankan govt. Any investigation should be broad enough to bring all culprits to justice , including the remaining international players of LTTE.. ,
Theru, mel, Australia
this what we ask before this happen. Talk to SL govt make cease fire with tamil tigers. that is not happened. because of that this all happen here.
anyway please take our people from this camps.
Jeya, Colombo, Sri Lanka
the world media!!!The funeral is over you are too late. At least make sure in the future it is not repeated Pls.
Emm, Colombo, Sri Lanka
SL Gov is running genocide war, this should be investigate by UN and which ever country respect human rights (eg:EU or UK, not China or India)
some of reader compare SL situation with Afghan, there is no genocide. there are working media, UN, NGO and etc but SL Gov not allowing international media
shankar, london, england
17 of my relative have been killed by the Sri Lankan govt in 2009 alone and the rest of my family are missing. I feel betrayed by the UN for not protecting my family and now, for its failure to speak up or act on behalf of the remaining Tamils who are dying slowing, but torturously.
Shanthy, London, UK
290,000 Tamils are in IDP camps for witness. Pls have a trusted method to establish the evidence for this horrific crime against civilians who were starved for 100 days and finally killed by the GoSL. Use of banned weapons can also be confirmed by the 290k witness. Next step is Eelam at all cost.
Athi Mathura, Clinton, NJ, USA
I would like to thank the Times newspaper on behalf of Tamils worldwide for bringing out the facts about the unspeakable atrocities committed by the Sri Lankan government and for giving us a true voice!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
THANK YOU, Sydney,
TAMILS AND DECENT HUMANS DEMAND AN INDEPENDENT PROBE INTO SRI LANKA FOR THE WAR CRIMES IT HAS COMMITTED NOT ONLY IN THE LAST PHASE OF THE WAR BUT SINCE THE WAR STARTED. Some people will agree with me in saying that it has been the case since 1948- when Sri Lanka gained independence from the British
respecting human rights, Sydney,
Whether 20,000 were killed in Sri Lanka or 2,000 were killed in Afghanisatan and 6,000 were killed in Iraq by US and Euro pean forces, the genocide is same what ever ever the number is. So why don't we first inquire in American and British killings in Iraq and Afghanistan before we indict Colombo.
Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
Times Online is doing a wonderful job in bringing out the truth of the Sri Lanka's crimes against humanity. Please keep up your good work.
Sas Sellath, New Jersey, USA
To those who drum up the tired old red herring of trying the US and the UK for war cirmes, etc, first and foremost both nations have always been ready to accept and appologize where they have inadvertantly killed civilians. Stark contrast to Sri Lanka's denial and out right lies.
concerned world citizen, Toronto,
Secondly EVEN IF the US and UK are guilty of the same crimes as Sri Lanka... two wrongs don't make a right, so if one is so convinced that it is so, one should be clamouring to investigate Sri Lanka along with the US and UK, if not then it is merely blatant hypocrisy.
concerned world citizen, Toronto,
Tamils and people worldwide want an independent probe into Sri Lanka for war crimes, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing and want to see justice obtained for the tens of thousands of Tamil civilians who were slaughtered with impunity in the recent military onslaught in northern Sri Lanka.
Jason, Toronto,
SL Govt refused to give even an inch to tamils over the last 60 years of struggle. Even after wiping out >20000 innocent tamils and suffocating 100s of 1000s of them in their "death" camps they not talking of a solution. SEPARATE STATE is the answer. IC & UN should help in establishing it for them.
Thamilan, Sydney, Australia
As victims,, your belated call sounds hollow and off the mark. Why didn't you speak up when daily reports were coming from the SL's killing fields? That may have saved tens of thousands. The massacre was part of SL's long-planned ethnic cleansing strategy against Tamils' demand for equal rights.
Siva Ram, Colombo, Sri Lanka
There was no witness to the war, and now during the aftermath. There is no freedom of expression here in Sri Lanka, media cannot report freely of views by politicians and leaders with different views..whats holding up the UN in telling the truth and act to get access.
Ariyasinghe, Kalubowila, Sri Lanka
This is not the first instance where the end justifies the means. I am sorry that it was the LTTE who should shoulder all the blame as there was no way civilian deaths could be avoided if the LTTE was to be destroyed. Whatever games the SL govt plays thats their stupidity,
Saman Kumara, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Please let the world & UN save the Tamils. Srilankan Govt never treated tamils as their people from 1948. Why do we tamils have to go for Arms struggle. We have had no choice.
Manickavasagar, Toronto,
During the last 3 years of elam war 4 ,there were 14 jounalist who reported the true picture of war and exposed govt corruption was killed and tv stations ,newspaper officers damaged by this govt.
Also nearly 3000 dissaperance specially by "White Vans" has been reported.
Ranjith, colombo, srilanka
In the name of humanity Mr Moon,speak up.Dont be a coward.
leon, Toronto, Canada
Sivalingam... Look UK & US never killed 20000 people in 3m. Go & read d history. How about d killing by SL b4 1983. What kinda terror then SL had? Would you say that as State terror? so get ur fats rite first. If SL gov treated every one as their citizen this would not have gone this way
neil, WA, USA
Please save the remaining tamils from Sri Lankan government which is continuing to kill tamils by denial of food, torture, sexual abuses and far more crimes is being committed by this barberic SL. Enough is enough. We all should rally against to save the civilians. UN should investigate the crimes.
Thami, Scarborough,
Tamils need justice. Bringing the culpits accountable for the crime should be started without delay, before the evidence is destroyed. The investigation has to be done by independent body as those who are now in the UN are all tainted with guilt. Do not set a precedent for other countries to follow
nandasena, Toronto, Canada
Times said it: UN must investigate. Mr.Ban should acknowledge the truth. But at what price? GOSL committed genocide while International community watches was cruel and raises the question is there any value for human lives exspecially if you are from a developing countries. Stop the genocide.
Theva, Scarborough,
as much as tamil diosapora wants to see next iraq and afganisthan in sri lanka the west have lost the appertite for another iraq.
donnieb, colom, SL
Neil... The Sri lankan government has every right to persecute the war against terror. The US and UK will first need to be tried for war crimes for all the civilian casualties caused in Iraq and Afghanistan. In this new world order there cannot be different standards for rich and poor
Sivalingam, Dallas, USA
Sri lanka will not tolerate LTTE stooges attempts to resurrect the terror organization under the guise of grossly exagerated civilian deaths. The government fought a war and in wars people die. If people want to persecute the SL government for fighting a war then we need to try the US and UK first
Sivalingam, Dallas, USA
Part3-This guy did not want to brief after his first visit from Srilanka then you sent him again???? There are no human rights in those countries that voted in favor of Srilanka. One day there will be a big threat to the western countries.
neil, WA, USA
Part2-This mistake can be repeated elsewhere we have to put a stop to it now. Also I agree with Geoffrey Robertson about the people who represent the UN, all sucks. Ban should resign he is not fit for the job. Nambiar should be investigated for supporting the war crime.
neil, WA, USA
Part1-UN suppose to protect the civilians but is failed and top of that hiding the number of deaths to protected the Gov of Srilankan. Now we going to ask them to investigate??? Are we not making the mistake again??? The war crime should be dealt with some independent organization.
neil, WA, USA
Slaughter of Tamils being going on ever since 1948. It seems like even UN was complicit in the genocide of Tamils. You too UN?
Kamal S, GTA, Canada
UN suppose to protect the civilians but is failed and top of that hiding the number of deaths to protected the Gov of Srilankan. Now we going to ask them to investigate??? Are we not making the mistake again??? The war crime should be dealt with some independent organization.
This mistake can be
Neil, WA, USA
DC Fernando: Contrary to widespread believes, it is not the 'Rights' but the 'culture of Impunity' that made the Tamils to support the Tigers who set out to avenge the perpetrators. Not a single violence by the forces and police against Tamils were investigated and culprits punished since 1956.
Nathan, Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Tamil diaspora will never be satisfied with any explanation, facts or figures. Meanwhile life will go on in Sri Lanka where even stricter measures used not to curb the revival of the LTTE like group. The armed forces are going to have more recruiting. Things will get tighter. Just wait and see.
Peter Casie Chetty, Liverpool , England
Thank you very much for bringing the truth to the world by exposing the massacre of more than 20,000 innocent Tamils by the chauvinist Sri Lankan government. People like DC Fernando has no knowledge of history of his country.. Tamils were forced to take up arms to resist the state terrorism!!
saba, london, UK
all those who committed the atrocities should face justices, to do that UN should start it's own investigation, and specially Mr Ban should speak out at-least now. or else the world will witness another generation of tamil youths becoming sucide bombers through radicalization.
tam, newcastle, uk
I don't know what much to say. UN, the highest governing body, is failing the Tamils. The last place that should be corrupted is now corrupted. If the same fate of Tamils were to occur to anyone else, how can one expect the UN to save them. UN failed, HumanRights Commission failed, who else is left?
Pragalathan, Ottawa, Canada
There is a huge disadvantage when you are fighting against a minority in a country. Most people will not see the pain and unreasonable demands of the small community.
Its sad but perfectly normal. Let me ask, Brother Why did you take guns ?. In 1980 Jaffna was a much better place than Hambanthota.
DC Fernando, Muscat, Oman
I totally agree with you! Sri Lanka must be brought to International court of law and the justice for Tamils must be served! Countries like India, Russia, China and Pakistan must be held accountable for being accessories in this massacre! Justice must be served without delay! This is 21stcentury
Sharmi N, Ottawa,
If the Sri Lankans committed war crimes then they must be investigated and if found guilty must be brought to justice. But they must not break the queue and get pushed to the top. Let me them form an orderly queue and be behind such countries like USA, the UK, Russia, Isreal, Pakistan etc.
donnieb, colom, SL
Countries that have he right to vote in UN should be investigated prior to being allowed to do so because their votes would inevitably be tainted by their own wrongdoings. The UN at the moment looks like a puppet hanging of a string.
Ahalia Seelan, Essex, UK
Independent, transparent, and fair Inquiry of Crimes Against Humanity is the ONLY way forward in the case of Sri Lanka. Reported claim on Massacres, Use of Banned Weapons, Use of Food as weapon of War, Bombing of Hospitals, etc - all need to be investigated - ONLY WAY FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE
Mike, London,
Where were all the reporters before this...why did the world not care until now?..the west through allowing the LTTE to raise money in their countries are also accountable and to blame for this conflict to have lasted as long as it did. USA and UK should be investigate first!!
Robert, London,
The people in internment camps in Vavuniya and the children detained in Ambepusse by Sri Lanka government have been let down by the world. Cut off from rest of the world they must be very worried and knowing their future. Ban-Ki-moon better take urgent action not issue another statement Mon morning.
David G, Punta Gorda, FL, USA
The international community and specifically the Tamils have lost confidence in UN and specially on Mr. Ban ki Moon and his representative Nambiar.
It is a very dangerous presedence if the Armed forces attrocities are not exposed and brought to justice. 20,000 innocent civilians are masacared.
Joe , Vancouver , Canada
Tamil Tigers, most ruthless barberic Terrorists, Tamil Diaspora who funded nearly 30 years for this illegal out fit & so called western world (not everyone few bully nations) who provide breeding field are responsible for this. find out what NGOs & INGOs have done in Sri Lanka. No war no job 4 them
Alaga Jude, London, UK
What pious posturings! Did Mr Ban indeed know from his officials that 20,000 civilians had been killed? In fact, John Holmes, the UN Under Secretary has said he cannot give a reliable figure. Mr Ban has already spoken and given the confusion he has raised so far, the less heard from him the better
cassandra, perth , australia
Tamil Diaspora who funded the bloody war , and the western governments who supported them are equally at fault as much as the Sri Lankan govt. Any investigation should be broad enough to bring all culprits to justice , including the remaining international players of LTTE.. ,
Theru, mel, Australia
this what we ask before this happen. Talk to SL govt make cease fire with tamil tigers. that is not happened. because of that this all happen here.
anyway please take our people from this camps.
Jeya, Colombo, Sri Lanka
the world media!!!The funeral is over you are too late. At least make sure in the future it is not repeated Pls.
Emm, Colombo, Sri Lanka
SL Gov is running genocide war, this should be investigate by UN and which ever country respect human rights (eg:EU or UK, not China or India)
some of reader compare SL situation with Afghan, there is no genocide. there are working media, UN, NGO and etc but SL Gov not allowing international media
shankar, london, england
17 of my relative have been killed by the Sri Lankan govt in 2009 alone and the rest of my family are missing. I feel betrayed by the UN for not protecting my family and now, for its failure to speak up or act on behalf of the remaining Tamils who are dying slowing, but torturously.
Shanthy, London, UK
290,000 Tamils are in IDP camps for witness. Pls have a trusted method to establish the evidence for this horrific crime against civilians who were starved for 100 days and finally killed by the GoSL. Use of banned weapons can also be confirmed by the 290k witness. Next step is Eelam at all cost.
Athi Mathura, Clinton, NJ, USA
I would like to thank the Times newspaper on behalf of Tamils worldwide for bringing out the facts about the unspeakable atrocities committed by the Sri Lankan government and for giving us a true voice!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
THANK YOU, Sydney,
TAMILS AND DECENT HUMANS DEMAND AN INDEPENDENT PROBE INTO SRI LANKA FOR THE WAR CRIMES IT HAS COMMITTED NOT ONLY IN THE LAST PHASE OF THE WAR BUT SINCE THE WAR STARTED. Some people will agree with me in saying that it has been the case since 1948- when Sri Lanka gained independence from the British
respecting human rights, Sydney,
Whether 20,000 were killed in Sri Lanka or 2,000 were killed in Afghanisatan and 6,000 were killed in Iraq by US and Euro pean forces, the genocide is same what ever ever the number is. So why don't we first inquire in American and British killings in Iraq and Afghanistan before we indict Colombo.
Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
Times Online is doing a wonderful job in bringing out the truth of the Sri Lanka's crimes against humanity. Please keep up your good work.
Sas Sellath, New Jersey, USA
To those who drum up the tired old red herring of trying the US and the UK for war cirmes, etc, first and foremost both nations have always been ready to accept and appologize where they have inadvertantly killed civilians. Stark contrast to Sri Lanka's denial and out right lies.
concerned world citizen, Toronto,
Secondly EVEN IF the US and UK are guilty of the same crimes as Sri Lanka... two wrongs don't make a right, so if one is so convinced that it is so, one should be clamouring to investigate Sri Lanka along with the US and UK, if not then it is merely blatant hypocrisy.
concerned world citizen, Toronto,
Tamils and people worldwide want an independent probe into Sri Lanka for war crimes, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing and want to see justice obtained for the tens of thousands of Tamil civilians who were slaughtered with impunity in the recent military onslaught in northern Sri Lanka.
Jason, Toronto,
SL Govt refused to give even an inch to tamils over the last 60 years of struggle. Even after wiping out >20000 innocent tamils and suffocating 100s of 1000s of them in their "death" camps they not talking of a solution. SEPARATE STATE is the answer. IC & UN should help in establishing it for them.
Thamilan, Sydney, Australia
As victims,, your belated call sounds hollow and off the mark. Why didn't you speak up when daily reports were coming from the SL's killing fields? That may have saved tens of thousands. The massacre was part of SL's long-planned ethnic cleansing strategy against Tamils' demand for equal rights.
Siva Ram, Colombo, Sri Lanka
There was no witness to the war, and now during the aftermath. There is no freedom of expression here in Sri Lanka, media cannot report freely of views by politicians and leaders with different views..whats holding up the UN in telling the truth and act to get access.
Ariyasinghe, Kalubowila, Sri Lanka
This is not the first instance where the end justifies the means. I am sorry that it was the LTTE who should shoulder all the blame as there was no way civilian deaths could be avoided if the LTTE was to be destroyed. Whatever games the SL govt plays thats their stupidity,
Saman Kumara, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Please let the world & UN save the Tamils. Srilankan Govt never treated tamils as their people from 1948. Why do we tamils have to go for Arms struggle. We have had no choice.
Manickavasagar, Toronto,
During the last 3 years of elam war 4 ,there were 14 jounalist who reported the true picture of war and exposed govt corruption was killed and tv stations ,newspaper officers damaged by this govt.
Also nearly 3000 dissaperance specially by "White Vans" has been reported.
Ranjith, colombo, srilanka
In the name of humanity Mr Moon,speak up.Dont be a coward.
leon, Toronto, Canada
Sivalingam... Look UK & US never killed 20000 people in 3m. Go & read d history. How about d killing by SL b4 1983. What kinda terror then SL had? Would you say that as State terror? so get ur fats rite first. If SL gov treated every one as their citizen this would not have gone this way
neil, WA, USA
Please save the remaining tamils from Sri Lankan government which is continuing to kill tamils by denial of food, torture, sexual abuses and far more crimes is being committed by this barberic SL. Enough is enough. We all should rally against to save the civilians. UN should investigate the crimes.
Thami, Scarborough,
Tamils need justice. Bringing the culpits accountable for the crime should be started without delay, before the evidence is destroyed. The investigation has to be done by independent body as those who are now in the UN are all tainted with guilt. Do not set a precedent for other countries to follow
nandasena, Toronto, Canada
Times said it: UN must investigate. Mr.Ban should acknowledge the truth. But at what price? GOSL committed genocide while International community watches was cruel and raises the question is there any value for human lives exspecially if you are from a developing countries. Stop the genocide.
Theva, Scarborough,
as much as tamil diosapora wants to see next iraq and afganisthan in sri lanka the west have lost the appertite for another iraq.
donnieb, colom, SL
Neil... The Sri lankan government has every right to persecute the war against terror. The US and UK will first need to be tried for war crimes for all the civilian casualties caused in Iraq and Afghanistan. In this new world order there cannot be different standards for rich and poor
Sivalingam, Dallas, USA
Sri lanka will not tolerate LTTE stooges attempts to resurrect the terror organization under the guise of grossly exagerated civilian deaths. The government fought a war and in wars people die. If people want to persecute the SL government for fighting a war then we need to try the US and UK first
Sivalingam, Dallas, USA
Part3-This guy did not want to brief after his first visit from Srilanka then you sent him again???? There are no human rights in those countries that voted in favor of Srilanka. One day there will be a big threat to the western countries.
neil, WA, USA
Part2-This mistake can be repeated elsewhere we have to put a stop to it now. Also I agree with Geoffrey Robertson about the people who represent the UN, all sucks. Ban should resign he is not fit for the job. Nambiar should be investigated for supporting the war crime.
neil, WA, USA
Part1-UN suppose to protect the civilians but is failed and top of that hiding the number of deaths to protected the Gov of Srilankan. Now we going to ask them to investigate??? Are we not making the mistake again??? The war crime should be dealt with some independent organization.
neil, WA, USA
Slaughter of Tamils being going on ever since 1948. It seems like even UN was complicit in the genocide of Tamils. You too UN?
Kamal S, GTA, Canada
UN suppose to protect the civilians but is failed and top of that hiding the number of deaths to protected the Gov of Srilankan. Now we going to ask them to investigate??? Are we not making the mistake again??? The war crime should be dealt with some independent organization.
This mistake can be
Neil, WA, USA
DC Fernando: Contrary to widespread believes, it is not the 'Rights' but the 'culture of Impunity' that made the Tamils to support the Tigers who set out to avenge the perpetrators. Not a single violence by the forces and police against Tamils were investigated and culprits punished since 1956.
Nathan, Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Tamil diaspora will never be satisfied with any explanation, facts or figures. Meanwhile life will go on in Sri Lanka where even stricter measures used not to curb the revival of the LTTE like group. The armed forces are going to have more recruiting. Things will get tighter. Just wait and see.
Peter Casie Chetty, Liverpool , England
Thank you very much for bringing the truth to the world by exposing the massacre of more than 20,000 innocent Tamils by the chauvinist Sri Lankan government. People like DC Fernando has no knowledge of history of his country.. Tamils were forced to take up arms to resist the state terrorism!!
saba, london, UK
all those who committed the atrocities should face justices, to do that UN should start it's own investigation, and specially Mr Ban should speak out at-least now. or else the world will witness another generation of tamil youths becoming sucide bombers through radicalization.
tam, newcastle, uk
I don't know what much to say. UN, the highest governing body, is failing the Tamils. The last place that should be corrupted is now corrupted. If the same fate of Tamils were to occur to anyone else, how can one expect the UN to save them. UN failed, HumanRights Commission failed, who else is left?
Pragalathan, Ottawa, Canada
There is a huge disadvantage when you are fighting against a minority in a country. Most people will not see the pain and unreasonable demands of the small community.
Its sad but perfectly normal. Let me ask, Brother Why did you take guns ?. In 1980 Jaffna was a much better place than Hambanthota.
DC Fernando, Muscat, Oman
I totally agree with you! Sri Lanka must be brought to International court of law and the justice for Tamils must be served! Countries like India, Russia, China and Pakistan must be held accountable for being accessories in this massacre! Justice must be served without delay! This is 21stcentury
Sharmi N, Ottawa,
If the Sri Lankans committed war crimes then they must be investigated and if found guilty must be brought to justice. But they must not break the queue and get pushed to the top. Let me them form an orderly queue and be behind such countries like USA, the UK, Russia, Isreal, Pakistan etc.
donnieb, colom, SL
Countries that have he right to vote in UN should be investigated prior to being allowed to do so because their votes would inevitably be tainted by their own wrongdoings. The UN at the moment looks like a puppet hanging of a string.
Ahalia Seelan, Essex, UK
Independent, transparent, and fair Inquiry of Crimes Against Humanity is the ONLY way forward in the case of Sri Lanka. Reported claim on Massacres, Use of Banned Weapons, Use of Food as weapon of War, Bombing of Hospitals, etc - all need to be investigated - ONLY WAY FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE
Mike, London,
Where were all the reporters before this...why did the world not care until now?..the west through allowing the LTTE to raise money in their countries are also accountable and to blame for this conflict to have lasted as long as it did. USA and UK should be investigate first!!
Robert, London,
The people in internment camps in Vavuniya and the children detained in Ambepusse by Sri Lanka government have been let down by the world. Cut off from rest of the world they must be very worried and knowing their future. Ban-Ki-moon better take urgent action not issue another statement Mon morning.
David G, Punta Gorda, FL, USA