House debates

Wednesday, 12 May 2021

Statements by Members

Sri Lanka: Human Rights

1:36 pm

Photo of Julie OwensJulie Owens (Parramatta, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Next week, on 18 May, is the anniversary of the terrible last day of a very long civil war in Sri Lanka, a war of almost 30 years that tore a country apart, leaving the country and its diaspora still struggling to heal. It's a day commemorated as both Heroes' Day and Mullivaikkal Day, a clear reflection of a country still deeply divided. For the many Tamil refugees and asylum seekers who have found homes in Parramatta since 2009, Mullivaikkal Day is a day of great sadness and pain. They tell me it is difficult to see how they can move forward without the truth, the terrible confronting truth.

In March the UN Human Rights Council passed resolution 46/1 giving the UN human rights commissioner's office more powers to collect, analyse and preserve evidence of international crimes committed in Sri Lanka for use in future prosecutions, to advocate for victims and survivors and to support relevant judicial and other proceedings, including in member states with competent jurisdiction. Human Rights Watch described it as 'a victory for victims of abuses' that will help them obtain information, accountability and justice. I hope this resolution will help people who are still waiting for answers and help people in my community to heal. My thoughts are with my community on this very sad day.