Keith Locke questions New Zealand's silence

Keith Locke questions New Zealand's silence on Sri Lanka hosting CHOGM

[TamilNet, Friday, 03 May 2013, 04:46 GMT]
“So far Canada's campaign to move CHOGM away from Sri Lanka has met with little success. Britain's Conservative government has been critical of Rajapaksa but won't support changing the conference venue. Australia has turned a blind eye to the continuing tragedy in Sri Lanka, apparently so it can justify returning Tamil boatpeople to their home country. And what of New Zealand? Our Government seems to be keeping as quiet as possible,” writes Keith Locke, former Green MP, in an opinion article published in The Dominion Post on Friday.

Excerpts from Keith Locke's article follow:

Mr Keith Locke

“Holding CHOGM in Colombo will make a mockery of the charter just developed by the Commonwealth and signed in March by the head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth.

“This charter commits Commonwealth leaders to democracy, human rights, tolerance, freedom of expression, good governance and the rule of law - none of which are respected by the Rajapaksa government.

“To make matters worse, Sri Lanka's president, as the CHOGM host, will become chair of the Commonwealth for the two years until the heads of state next meet.

“So far Canada's campaign to move CHOGM away from Sri Lanka has met with little success.

“Britain's Conservative government has been critical of Rajapaksa but won't support changing the conference venue.

“Australia has turned a blind eye to the continuing tragedy in Sri Lanka, apparently so it can justify returning Tamil boatpeople to their home country.

“And what of New Zealand?

“Our Government seems to be keeping as quiet as possible.

“It is not as if the New Zealand Government is ignorant of the dire human rights issues in Sri Lanka. I was a member of Parliament's foreign affairs, defence and trade select committee when, in 2009 and 2010, it was briefed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

“We were told about difficult conditions in the internment camps for Tamils and the limitations on access by international aid organisations; the absence of a political reconciliation process; and the danger to democracy following the arrest of Rajapaksa's opponent in the February 2010 election, General Sarath Fonseka.

“Since then Rajapaksa has strengthened his grip on power, supported by his brother, Gotabhaya, who is defence secretary; another brother, Basil, who is economic development minister; and a fourth brother, Chamal, who is Speaker.

“Amnesty International, in its latest report on April 30 said the "violent repression and the consolidation of political power go hand in hand" and "there is a real climate of fear in Sri Lanka, with those brave enough to speak out against the government often having to suffer badly for it".

“The reputation of both New Zealand and the Commonwealth is at stake here. New Zealand rightly challenges abuses of democracy in our region - such as in Fiji (which has been suspended from the Commonwealth). But we can be accused of a double standard if at the same time we allow the Commonwealth to be chaired for the next two years by a president who refuses any accountability for the deaths of so many innocent civilians in his country's civil war and who is governing in an increasingly authoritarian manner. ”

Chronology:

03.05.13  Keith Locke questions New Zealand's silence on Sri..

02.05.13  Commonwealth SG upholds SL venue of CHOGM, meets C..

30.04.13  Australian Labor MP calls for CHOGM boycott

27.04.13  Fraser supports CHOGM boycott as CMAG ducks action

17.04.13  Cancel CHOGM, appeals Prof. Lynch

10.04.13  CHOGM heats up, Rae calls Sri Lanka a "Rogue Membe..

26.03.13  Queen to skip CHOGM - paper

16.03.13  Commonwealth's quandary over CHOGM in Sri Lanka

12.03.13  Commonwealth day brings to focus war crimes, Sri L..

11.03.13  Tutu, Robinson call for shift of CHOGM venue

03.03.13  Sri Lanka CHOGM boycott calls multiply

28.02.13  Australia should withdraw from CHOGM in Sri Lanka:..

10.02.13  CHOGM boycott calls for renewed action on Sri Lank..

Related Articles:
11.04.13   NZ Intelligence alleged of monitoring former Green MP for in..


External Links:

The Dominion Post:

NZ's reputation at stake over summit venue

Host CHOGM in New Zealand: Tamil Action Front

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 20 February 2013, 04:13 GMT]
The Tamil Action Front (TAF) of New Zealand in a letter addressed to New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Murray McCully on Friday urged his government to offer to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meet (CHOGM) this year at New Zealand instead of in Sri Lanka, to save the dignity and decorum of the member states of the Commonwealth. The TAF also reminded the NZ government of its earlier request to explore the possibility of suspending Sri Lanka from the Commonwealth.

• TAF letter to New Zealand FM

Situation in Sri Lanka is deteriorating day by day on all fronts with steps being expedited in quick succession on the structured and stratified genocide, the TAF letter said.

Her Majesty the Queen should not step into the sinful country and bring disgrace to the Throne, the TAF letter signed by its coordinator Mr. Theva Rajan who is a Queen’s Service Medallist (QSM) said.

Chronology:

20.02.13  NZ Tamils accuse Obama for doing nothing to check ..

20.02.13  Host CHOGM in New Zealand: Tamil Action Front

New Zealand politicians, Peoples Forum mean action on Sri Lanka

[TamilNet, Thursday, 13 December 2012, 10:13 GMT]
UN internal review report is clear on the failure of the UN. We will not lie low. We will press for full inquiry and suitable action on those who connived at the human disaster–a blot on the civilized world in the 21st century, said New Zealand’s Green Party parliamentarian, Ms Jan Logie, at the Universal Human Rights Day observations organized by Peoples Forum in Auckland. What is happening in Sri Lanka is akin to what is happening in Palestine. On CHOGM, we will do everything possible to see that countries respecting democracy do not attend, the MP further said adding that she would draw the attention of the NZ government through an adjournment motion in the parliament on the new wave of oppression on Tamil university students and youth.

“The Government of Sri Lanka tried to cover up its actions by criminalizing the defensive role of the LTTE in cushioning the rigours of State terror. It is a cruelty not to take action against those UN Officials who connived and played this shameful role,” Ms Jan Logie observed.

John Minto, Keith Locke and Jan Logie

Speaking at the occasion, Mr John Minto, a respected human rights activist in New Zealand, said that people of New Zealand would organize an impressive demonstration early next year to press the NZ government to call for international inquiry on the crimes of Sri Lanka, including genocide.

We will urge the only alternative left –the right to self-determination–to be exercised through a UN monitored referendum, he further said.

Currently retired veteran parliamentarian, Mr. Keith Locke, observed that what happened in Sri Lanka is the same or even worse genocide than what had happened in Rwanda, Serbia and elsewhere. Attributing the UN failure to manipulation by big powers, and accusing the international media for criminalising the LTTE, Locke said things are changing now, media attitudes are changing and moves for justice will revive and thrive.

New Zealand would always support the Tamil demand for self-determination, he said.

A resolution passed by the Peoples Forum at the meeting urged the UN Secretary General to make arrangements for reporting on the manner of implementing the Petrie Panel report, and to submit the report within six weeks, so that something worthy could be done before the UNHRC sessions.

Citing the recent oppression committed on Tamil students by Sri Lanka, the resolution urged the UNSG to take immediate preventive measures, using the authority vested in him. The way Sri Lanka projects its oppression as prevention of international revival of the LTTE, is likely to bring in another dangerous situation in the island, they cautioned.

The Peoples Forum meeting organized by Human Rights Organisations and activists in New Zealand to observe the Universal Human Rights Day on Monday was participated by representatives of the Tamil Action Front in NZ.

Dr Siva Vasanthan, President of the New Zealand Tamil Society and Mr. A. Theva Rajan spoke at the gathering.

New Zealanders call for international investigation, back right to self-determination

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 August 2012, 06:51 GMT]
“We support your demand for self-determination,” said New Zealand’s parliamentary leader of the Green Party, Metiria Turei MP, speaking at an event in Auckland on Sunday, convened to remember Black July 1983. Her view was echoed by John Minto, a respected human rights activist saying, “I know you have been consistently airing your right to self determination and we support your demand because you cannot live in a country that does not recognise and respect your rights.” Labour MP and shadow foreign minister Phil Goff who spoke at the event as well as the other two guest speakers called for an international investigation on the war crimes. The Green leader announced that her party is determined to work with Australian Greens in expelling the war-crimes-accused SL High Commissioner for Australia.

Excerpts from the speeches of Guest Speakers:

Metiria Turei MP, Leader of the Parliamentary Group as well as Co-Leader of the Green Party:

Metrina Turei

We are closely watching your consistent and consolidated efforts to win your rights. You are very active and unrelenting. As a result we are familiar with the crises in Sri Lanka.

We support your demand for self-determination and will extend our support to win your goal.

We support the global demand for a transparent inquiry by an independent international tribunal into war crimes and human rights violations and crimes against humanity under international law enumerated in the report of the Experts Panel appointed by the UN Secretary- General.

I also make this announcement. Along with the Greens in Australia, we are determined to mount pressure to expel the Sri Lankan High Commissioner for Australia and New Zealand Commodore Tissara Samarasinghe, formerly of the Sri Lankan Navy.

We cannot allow people associated with human rights violations and war crimes to defile the decorum and ethics hitherto maintained in diplomatic practices.

* * *

John Minto, Human Rights Activist:

John Minto

We support the rights of all people. We voice the rights of indigenous people anywhere in the world. Rights are universal and belong to all alike. There are no minority rights and majority rights. The tyranny of the majority cannot be tolerated.

I know you have been consistently airing your right to self determination and we support your demand because you cannot live in a country that does not recognise and respect your rights – the human rights guaranteed by UN instruments.

There can’t be two words that an independent international tribunal must investigate the alleged violations of human rights and the war crimes enumerated by the report of the Experts Panel appointed by UN Secretary- General.

* * *

Phil Goff MP: shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Labour Party:

Phil Goff

Your continued consistent activities have helped us to keep abreast of the continuing atrocities committed against the Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Human rights violations, crimes against humanity under international law and war crimes cannot be allowed to pass without proper investigation.

We will lend support to the growing international demand for a transparent inquiry into the alleged violations of human rights and crimes against humanity under international law and war crimes enumerated in the report of the Experts Panel appointed by the UN Secretary-General.

No reconciliation can be achieved without justice being meted out first and the victims adequately compensated. But nothing towards reconciliation has taken place in Sri Lanka except words and more words.

* * *

The event was in the form of a seminar, presided by Dr. Siva Vasanthan who called for direct UN monitoring of the processes in the island.

Mr. A. Theva Rajan spoke on the futility of expecting the regime bringing in Tamil–Sinhala goodwill and on its interference with judiciary.

Janaki Paskaran, Tharuni Ashok and R. Danisha were among the Eezham Tamil participants presenting papers on Genocide, Culture Demolition and Emerging Trends; The Quest for Justice and on A Generation Condemned to Extinction

NZ assures support for IC justice and accountability to war victims

[TamilNet, Saturday, 03 December 2011, 20:01 GMT]
“New Zealand remains willing to co-operate with the international community in considering appropriate investigative mechanisms to bring justice and accountability to the victims of the Sri Lankan war,” said New Zealand’s foreign minister Murray McCully, on Thursday, in a letter addressed to Tamil Forum in New Zealand. The UNSG panel report is likely to be discussed at the March Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, he further said in the letter.

At the Commonwealth meet this time at Perth, there was no majority in favour of holding SL government to account, he observed.

On the protest raised by New Zealand Tamils against Mahinda Rajapaksa’s scheduled visit to Auckland last October for the Rugby World Cup, the foreign minister said the SL President had cancelled the visit.

• Letter from New Zealand FM

Neutral governments such as the New Zealand should play a more proactive role in the wake of international organisations hijacked by some powers failing in delivering justice, commented an Eezham Tamil political analyst in the diaspora.

India openly took a stand in shielding genocidal Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth.

War crimes investigation and accountability may go as a lengthy process. Delayed justice is in fact denying justice. Sri Lanka commits worse crime of structural genocide today. Token support to international investigation doesn’t mean much in the given context. Governments that do care for international justice should think of an altogether different strategy of recognizing the Remedial Sovereignty of Eezham Tamils, the political analyst further said.