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In Search of Sri Lanka's Disappeared: A Haunting Journey for Truth and Justice

Maurice Parker

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Published in Twelve Cries From Home: In Search Of Sri Lanka S Disappeared

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In the aftermath of Sri Lanka's brutal civil war, thousands of people vanished without a trace. Families and loved ones have been left in anguish, desperate for answers about their missing kin. Their search for truth and justice has taken them on a harrowing journey, filled with hope and heartbreak.

The Disappearances

During the 26-year conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE),both sides committed human rights abuses. However, the period between 2008 and 2009, known as the "White Flag Surrender Incident," was particularly notorious for its high number of disappearances.

Twelve Cries from Home: In Search of Sri Lanka's Disappeared

by Minoli Salgado

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On May 18, 2009, thousands of civilians and LTTE fighters surrendered to government forces under the promise of safe passage. Tragically, many of these individuals were never seen again, their fate remains unknown.

The Families' Quest

In the years since the war, the families of the disappeared have tirelessly campaigned for information about their loved ones. They have organized protests, met with politicians, and partnered with international organizations to demand answers.

For many, the search for truth has come at great personal cost. They have faced intimidation, harassment, and even threats of violence. Yet, their determination to find justice for their missing loved ones remains unwavering.

Government Response

The Sri Lankan government has acknowledged the issue of disappearances and established several commissions of inquiry to investigate the matter. However, these investigations have often been criticized for their lack of transparency and independence.

In recent years, there have been some limited steps towards accountability. In 2015, the government passed the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) Act, which established an independent body to investigate disappearances and provide support to families.

However, the OMP has faced significant challenges, including a lack of resources and resistance from the military. As of 2023, the OMP has only been able to conclude a small number of cases.

International Involvement

The international community has also played a role in addressing the issue of disappearances in Sri Lanka. In 2015, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted Resolution 30/1, which called for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of human rights violations during the civil war.

In 2018, the UN Human Rights Council established the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Investigation on Sri Lanka to investigate human rights violations and abuses committed during the war. The OHCHR published its final report in 2021, which documented the high number of disappearances and called for accountability.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite these efforts, the search for truth and justice for Sri Lanka's disappeared remains an ongoing challenge. Impunity for human rights violations remains widespread, and those responsible for the disappearances have not been held accountable.

Families continue to face obstacles in their quest for answers. Access to information remains limited, and evidence of disappearances is often difficult to obtain. The fear of reprisal also prevents many families from speaking out.

The search for Sri Lanka's disappeared is a haunting journey that has left countless families in grief and despair. Their tireless efforts for truth and justice are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

While significant challenges remain, there is a growing recognition of the need for accountability and reconciliation. The international community must continue to support the families of the disappeared and pressure the Sri Lankan government to address this issue fully. Only then can Sri Lanka truly heal the wounds of the past and build a more just and equitable future.

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A Family Of Sri Lankan Tamils Holds A Photograph Of Their Missing Loved One During A Protest For Truth And Justice. Twelve Cries From Home: In Search Of Sri Lanka S Disappeared