Student From Kings College speaks for Peace

Day Four – Windsor

Day Four – Windsor

We arrived in Windsor late last night, and we were welcomed by a Tamil family, who opened their homes and their hearts to us. It was an interesting thing I picked up all throughout the trip, as the Tamil people that did exist in these areas, although few, were more than willing to help us out in every aspect. When people say Tamils aren’t united, I would like to change that and say Tamils are united across all walks of life, which we have experienced firsthand the first few days.

We woke up early morning and made our way to Windsor University, and met up with our contacts from the CFS (Canadian Federation of Students). On arrival we realized how the campus was pretty much empty. It was the Friday before reading break, and the contacts that helped us out with the teach –in and the tabling let us know that the turnout would be pretty bad. So like we have been doing the past four days we took a different approach to getting our word out. While making our rounds around campus, we had about 100 personal one on one conversation’s with people about the genocide in Sri Lanka. And to our surprise the 100 people were mostly Non-Tamils.

We expected a large number of Tamil people on this campus, but failed to see that large number because of the time we spent on campus. Our “teach – in” drew a large number of non-Tamils, as there were more non-Tamils than Tamils. The teach-in was very successful and actually engaged the audience to ask questions about the genocide. Following the session although we didn’t a point person to be the liaison for our activist network, we actually gained contacts of a person who is willing to find a person to take on that task. All in all this day was very successful. It was very different in every aspect, and in every campus. It was exactly what we expected.

Phase one is complete, and the work is just beginning. We hope that this trip brings about great change.

Until we meet again for phase two of our trip ......

First Leg Final Stop!

The HaltGenocide tour members were excited as we entered the final stop of the first leg of the tour. Windsor welcomed us with a pleasant but quite environment as most students had already left the campus for the upcoming reading week and those around were studying for midterms. But that didn't stop us and we kept it positive.

We got to work, as soon as we were done with set up, by handing out flyers to students around the Campus center and talking to them about the tour and the reason for the initiative. The students were very friendly, receptive and engaging despite the fact that they were studying for midterms. Many wanted to attend the teach-in however the short notice and midterms got in the way. Aside from all this we were still able to draw a fairly good count of students for the Teach-in. The best thing about the Teach-in was that most of those who attended were non-Tamils and were very engaged and interested in learning more!

After the Teach-in ended we got a very positive response from attendees, again reiterating the importance and critical role such an educational initiative has on the masses. I also had the opportunity to connect with some key organizations on the campus such as the Human Rights office and OPIRG (Ontario Public Interest Research Group - Windsor chapter). They were very impressed at the work we were doing and are looking into working with us.

On the way back to Toronto, we were joined by two non-Tamil students from the student union who Nishanthan and Sahab were able to build a good relation with.

Reflecting back into the past four days, which flew by real quickly, I realize that we were able to not just educate those we interacted with but also empower ourselves and them at the same time. When you see people coming together for a certain cause, sharing knowledge and experience and have the willingness to work in solidarity, you truly feel the meaning of slogans such as "The people united will never be defeated!". Through this tour I had the great opportunity to work with an amazingly driven team and meet peace loving people from different walks of life who truly appreciated what we were doing.

We should not waste time and we need to keep on taking on initiatives like these. We should not stop till we accomplish our goals and end the suffering of our Tamil people in Sri Lanka.

Goodluck to all the activists from our newly formed networks and the team headed out for the second leg of the tour!

Wishing Love, Peace and Solidarity,

Minnal Sivan

"The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X

Tour makes final stop in Windsor

Windsor, ON

February 13th, 2009

The Halt Genocide Tour made its last stop in phase one at Windsor, Ontario. At 11:00 am, our tour activists arrived at the University of Windsor. While at the university, we were greeted by members of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), who had already arranged us space for leafleting.

While on campus, our activists got to work as soon as possible. Although, it was exam time for students, many came down to our booth to ask questions and learn about the Genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka. Canadian HART volunteers were able to talk to over 100 non-Tamils on campus about the humanitarian crisis and the unfolding Genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Although many were studying last minute for exams, they were willing to take some time off to listen about a serious situation unfolding in Sri Lanka. Our tour participants invited many to attend the teach-in/info session at 2 pm on campus.

The CFS members were excited to see dozens of participants at the teach-in/info session. They claimed that this was the first time that many students attended an info session during exam and reading week times. Canadian HART was able to answer dozens of questions that participants of the info session had. It was great to see many students who wanted to get involved to stop the Genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka. In attendance at the info session were two professors. They appreciated Canadian HART's work and the unbiased nature of their perspectives. They also applauded Canadian HART for talking about humanitarian issues which at the moment are more important than political.

We had an excellent response in Windsor as well. This just shows that with time and dedication we can all make a huge difference in the world.

Although phase one has finished, more work needs to be done. We are awaiting the next phase of the Halt Genocide Tour. We hope that it would be as as successful as this one.

Nishanthan - Western Speach Video

Student Activist from University of Western

February 12 2009: London, Ontario

Third day an old challenge anew. Every step of the Halt Genocide Tour brings different challenges we have had to adapt to and work around to get our message out. University of Western Ontario represented an especially challenging scenario as we made contact with a local TSA and were shocked to find out that the administration only authorized the group to set up an information table with the condition they could not use the word 'Genocide' or hand out fliers with the term. The administration felt that the term 'Genocide' was too 'political'. I wanted to immediately storm into their offices and discuss with them the basic, unarguable, and non-political facts concerning the ground situation in Sri Lanka. We have only relied on internationally accepted standards and definitions and cited many neutral third party sources in all our discussions. In the past, often it is those who wanted to hide the 'Genocidal' trend of events in Sri Lanka who tried to politicize discussions on the humanitarian situation. To my initial disappointment, the local TSA asked us not too confront the administration for fear of their planned event being shutdown. We honored their request, but we weren't to be disappointed for long. University of Western Ontario’s TSA staged a rally on their campus with members and non-Tamil friends, and without prompting these students began chanting 'Stop The - Genocide!', 'We Want - Justice!', 'Break The - Silence!'. Much of the campus was shocked to a standstill and watched speechlessly as the lively but peaceful demonstration passed by. Speaking with several TSA members, they admitted the club would probably be fined or censured by the administration but felt it was worth it. I was moved by the fact that this TSA, so far removed from Toronto, and without much external support was taking on this challenge so staunchly.

Many within and without our community have faced this challenge; we are often gagged from speaking simple and honest truths because of misrepresentations and misconceptions. It just strengthens my resolve, as I return home to Toronto tonight, to continue revealing the hard truths of Sri Lanka and Working to HALT THE GENOCIDE OF TAMILS!

Wishing God's Blessings and Guidance
Pio

An Uprise...Renegade style!

The destination for the third day of the tour was at the University of Western Ontario. We knew the experience there would be slightly different and a bit more of a challenge as there is no student union on this campus. However we kept it positive and stuck to our objective to educate those we come across.

Initially when we talked to the students on campus many were reluctant to call the whole situation a Genocide. After hearing this we starting talking about the reason why we were touring under the Halt Genocide banner. The rally started a little after noon and it was well attended by a diverse group of student activists from different backgrounds. The group was very energetic and hyped shouting slogans like “Stop the Genocide”, “We want Justice”, “Break the Silence” and so on. I was personally surprised to hear the first slogan because the students transformed from not calling it genocide to yelling Stop the Genocide and the best thing was that it wasn’t just Tamil students voicing this. The whole campus stopped to watch the protesters make their way to the University Campus Center and the chanting did not stop till we entered the building. People working inside the offices of the Campus Center stepped out of their offices to watch the crowd as the youths clearly stated their stance on the issue. The march was followed by some powerful speeches from individuals from different organizations on campus. The crowd was thrilled!

After the event there was a good amount of students engaged in informal discussion groups talking about the genocide. One great success of the day was that the Activist network that we established in London, Ontario is being headed up by a non- Tamil young sister who was very passionate about the struggle and who wants Canada to wake up! We had over 20 volunteers, Tamils and non-Tamils, who were willing to talk about the struggle on camera.

Our next stop was the MP’s office. The MP’s representative was very receptive and promised that he would pass our message to the MP.

All in all it was a great day with a surprising and motivating response from the student body who is stepping up their game and voicing against their own oppression as students without a student union. Good luck to them! As we near the end of the first leg of this tour I hope more ears will hear and more eyes will see the truth and more hands will be raised to put an end to this brutality.

Like Che said "Until Victory always"

~ Minnal Sivan

Rally in London draws dozens

London, ON

February 12, 2009

The freezing weather in London did not prevent the Halt Genocide Tour from occurring. Our activists braved the weather and arrived in London in the morning. We were received by activists from University of Western Ontario around noon. Canadian HART worked together with several organizations to bring about attention on the campus about the Genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Our activists were invited to join the rally organized several organizations that stood in solidarity with the Tamils in Sri Lanka. Dozens of students braved the cold to attend the rally. They chanted slogans such as: "Stop the Genocide" and "We want justice."

The highlight of the day, is when the rally reached the campus. The campus came to a standstill when the students protested at the injustice that is being committed against innocent Tamil civilians in the country. We were able to engage with non-Tamils who demanded that social justice and equality should be a right for the Tamils in Sri Lanka. Canadian HART members spoke out and demanded immediate intervention. This stand was appreciated by Amnesty International operating within the campus, who called for an immediate ceasefire agreement so save innocent people's lives in Sri Lanka.

Canadian HART was able to set-up an activist network in London. Interestingly, a non-Tamil student at the university volunteered to lead and mobilize. We were able to build our networks and relationships on the campus. We were also able to meet the student bodied newspaper and the students council at the university. We received enormous support from everyone at the university who were thrilled with our work, dedication and commitment.

Over 1,000 petitions were signed and many people were encouraged to see Canadian HART activists on the campus. At 3:00 pm, we visited the local member of parliament for London Centre, Glen Pearson. Glen Pearson, is a foreign affairs critic from the New Democratic Party (NDP). Although, Mr. Pearson, was in Ottawa, we handed over an information package to his representative. The representative, promised that he would brief the MP about our visit and the Halt Genocide Tour.

We left London satisfied that we had achieved our goals and expanded our network. It appears are people are starting to see the killing of innocent Tamils in Sri Lanka as a Genocide.

Let us all work together to save the Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Guelph Newspaper Prints Article

Guelph Newspaper Prints Article

http://theontarion.ca/archivearticle.php?date_pub=2009-02-12&id_pag=2246

Day Three-London

We arrived in London this morning, looking forward to another successful day. Upon arrival we were greeted by the Tamil Students Association with open arms. We initially went into the campus believing that we would be granted permission to do a teach-in, as the school granted the T.S.A permission. Only later did we realize that none of this was possible because the lack of a student Union on campus. There were certain policies in place by the University that restricted many clubs on campus to their right to the freedom of expression, and speech. We were told we were not allowed to use the word genocide in our presentation. After knowing that, we ended up being very demoralized, as our goal seemed a little harder to obtain.

But during our stay the Tamil Students Association pre-planned a rally and asked CanadianHART to be the keynote speaker. We used this rally as an opportunity to voice our concerns, and this included building the activist network. During the rally, which consisted of a March all though out Campus, it started with only a few people, I think 5. But lone behold during the walk, people started to join in the rally. To my surprise, 50 plus people showed up at the rally, and at least 35 were of Non- Tamil Origin. What impressed me more was the Non-Tamils, were chanting “STOP THE GENOCIDE”. The word we were told not to use, was being used and Admin couldn’t do anything about it.

We were able to get a NON-Tamil to head the activist network in London.

We tried contacting the student campus life at the University, but failed , as they seemed unreceptive to what was happening. But on a plus note we met representatives of the Mp’s and dropped off our MP package, they seemed genuinely supportive and set up a meeting with the Tamil residents of London for a future date.

As the days go on, we gain more and more confidence, and seem to be winning more and more battles.

One more day to go, and I still don’t know what to expect.

Until then ……

Day Three

London Ontario was a totally different experience a snowy and rainy day with a protest planned out for 12 by the Tamil students there on the campus. We arrived in the morning, as we were welcomed with warm arms by the TSA members. I must admit that when I first arrived I wasn’t sure of what to expect from the young individuals from the university, however my whole perspective was changed during the protest. Although the weather was very cold, snowy and rainy about 40 students marched out and made many open their eyes to the current situation. I was moved by these individuals and felt the change as they chanted “we what justice!” “Stop the genocide!” These young activists were mostly non Tamils who came to voice and speak up for humanity. As we marched into the school, we stood there and continued with the demonstration as many around us and within the offices stepped out to only realize the current issue in Sri Lanka. It was defiantly an amazing experience. Although we were not able to do our presentation we defiantly were able to connect with many students and opened up many eyes to the current situation. Over all many students voiced their opinion on the cameras as well and many students walked away with a new understanding to the reality faced by the Tamils in Sri Lanka. So now were in Windsor waiting for tomorrow to start. I must say that this trip has defiantly caused a great change in the perspectives of the Canadian community.

Peace, Love, Hope

Day Two

As a new rainy day unfolded in Waterloo we got our plans set and saw welcoming hands of our dearest friends from the TSA. We set up for our presentation and got the crowd of young individuals engaged and informed about the current situation the Tamils in Sri Lanka are currently facing.
These young activist have now relized that sitting back in our seats will not raise awareness and will not bring attention to the international humanitarian crisis. Today we have gained another set of young indivuals who are ready to bring to light the current situation that the Tamils are facing in Vanni.
We created awareness through out the campus that got sudents talking among themselves and asking quetsions.
Students helped distribute flyers and realized that the main difference can only be made by each indivual's own actions.
Overall the day went well with many showing a keen interest in wanting to make change.
The Waterloo student community has now been informed and educated...

-peace, love, and hope

Rainy Waterloo

It was a rainy day in Waterloo but peoples' smiles came shining through. We reached the campus around noon and started setting up for the Teach-in. The Teach-In was well attended by over 30 students who attentively listened to the presentation. Afterwards there was an engaging discussion with the audience who found the presentation to be very informative and vital given the current situation unfolding in Sri Lanka. Another great thing from this initiative was that we had some passionate people who wanted to work towards educating the masses on the genocide in Sri Lanka and be part of the movement.

Overall it was an encouraging experience where we had an opportunity to meet a lot of eager youths and I am looking forward to working with all of them to put an end to this genocide!

In Solidarity,

Minnal Sivan

Day Two Arrival at Waterloo

………….We arrived in the morning to Waterloo University. Upon arrival we were welcomed with open arms by the Tamil Students Association. Knowing the problems they faced in the past, going into this we had a feeling that the question and answer period that followed our teach-in would be intense.

We then decided to take the initiative to go out to the FEDS (the student Union on campus) to drop off a media package, and to formally tell them about our campaign and to invite them to our teach-in. Following that we had also contacted the school newspaper on campus IMPRINT. This was a great success for us because they had assured us that they would write an article about the campaign in the following news publication.

The teach-in was successful, as a couple dozen of students showed up and they were genuinely interested. This time we went through the presentation and split it up into four different parts, and four different people, not only did we finish on time, the audience was more engaged in the presentation. As the presentation was nearing the end, we noticed that many Tamil Students did not know the seriousness of the genocide that was occurring, and many of them pledged to volunteer time for CanadianHART and the Genocide Campaign it self.

Following the teach-in many of the Waterloo students, although in exams, still did what they could to help us out. We split the team up into three, one team went to the MP’s office, the others were leaf-letting, and the final group was doing what they could to meet and network with the other groups on campus.

The day is not done, because they were impressed, the Tamil Students Association asked us to do another teach-in later in the day for the students who could not make it due to the exams that they were doing. Day two was a success and I look forward to tomorrow, until then……………

Guelph Student speaks out

February 11 2009: Waterloo

Second day second city. We arrived in Waterloo and tried to get some rest. One of our members had to go to the emergency room because of a worsening medical situation. The rest of us prepared ourselves to begin our work in Waterloo in the morning - no matter what situations arose we were aware of the worsening situation in the Vanni and determined to continue. After her insistence on continuing and getting a doctors clearance we continued. Arriving at Waterloo we set up and immediately held the teach in with Waterloo TSA. Several dozen students made time between a busy schedule of exams and studies to make it out to the teach-in. A strong information session with an enthusiastic response for volunteers began a day of tabling and communicating with local associations and politicians. A strong day ended with worsening news from Sri Lanka: the Sri Lankan goverment has demanded all medical staff to leave the Vanni, leaving all the Tamil civilians trapped in the region without medical services or assistance.

Everyday the Genocide of Tamils takes on a more personal note, reminding us how are loved ones are in danger as loved ones disappear.

Pio

Day 2: Genocide Tour Hits Waterloo

We arrived at Waterloo, in the morning, and were hopeful of the same successes we achieved in Guelph. We arrived at the University of Waterloo to once again create awareness about the Genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

We were received by the Tamil Students Association from the university. During our time at the campus, we were able to meet representatives from the student bodied newspaper, Imprint. Imprint has assured us that next week, they will defiantly publish an article about the Genocide Tour. We were also able to meet and talk to the student federation at the university.

At noon, our teach-in attracted tens of participants. They appreciated our efforts and for coming down to the university. We were also able to get a lot of enthusiastic youths to lead more awareness campaigns within the campus and outside. Through our teach-in, we made a lot of relationships. Many students promised to work with Canadian HART in the future to address the problems and sufferings facing the Tamils in Sri Lanka.

The university students and our activists were able to lead a leafleting campaign throughout the day. We were able to educate many of non-Tamils during the time on campus. At 2:30 pm, we visited the local office of Kitchener-Waterloo member of parliament, Peter Braid. Although he was in Ottawa, a representative took our complaints into notice and promised a meeting next week.

Overall, it has been a success. The day is not done at Waterloo, we are planning to do a second teach-in/info session, to accommodate others who were interested in attending the info session at noon but there were conflicts in their schedule which prevented them.

It appears that a lot of people are interested in getting the word out about the Genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka. With this much support, we can definitely put an end to the Genocide of Tamils.

I hope to be in touch with everyone soon.

Day One Guelph

Day one; something new, something creative, something to change the way Tamil People unite. What to expect going into the trip I really did not know. I had an idea, but there is only so much planning a person can do. An event that has never been attempted by the Tamil youth before is going to take place in the next couple of days, and my mind was all over the place. The morning started off a little unorganized, although we planned, there was still minor details we never expected. Morning started off with the placement of our banners on the car, thought it would be an effective tool to create that buzz, but soon did we realize that the banners weren’t such a great idea. The banners we roped to the car pretty much ripped off, and it set us back, and in many cases left us feeling a little de-motivated. But the trip was still on full force. On arrival to the Guelph I felt that the town seemed to be that of a ghost town, again in my mind I was expecting the worst and thought that this location wouldn’t be as successful as we initially planned. We got out of the car only to meet up with the local Tamil Students Association. They welcomed us with open arms, and open hearts. They provided us with any relevant information we needed. As soon as we entered the school, we went directly to the Student Union on Campus, and again we were welcomed with open arms, and open hearts. As everything we asked for they granted to us. They seemed to care more about the issue, and seemed to show their support in full force. During this we had contacted the local MP, although in Ottawa, he still wanted to meet us at a later date. Knowing this we had contacted the T.S.A and had asked them to go in the M.P’s office to voice their concerns. We successfully engaged the youth into the political aspect of our fight and got them committed to meeting with the MP of the riding. The day ended off pretty well as the teach-in brought together about 50 people, and most were very impressed by the teach-in. Our goal to create awareness and our goal to create an activist network were all attained at the highest possible level. I was very impressed and in fact it has given me more motivation to see the interest in the people here in Guelph, and more impressive that the Non-Tamil Community was very receptive and impressed, we have gotten them to take the next step in helping out our cause. The day ended off with me more energized, and only expecting the best for tomorrow. So until tomorrow........................

The Guelph Experience!

The morning kicked off with an air of excitement and eagerness as we started our tour to the first destination, Guelph. We arrived at Guelph just before noon and met up with the TSA president who gave us great support and directed us to the key spots on the Guelph campus.

As a representative from CanadianHart's NGO team my main objective for the day was to connect with various advocacy and active groups on the campus. Through these engagements we were able to educate them, trigger interest and motivate them to build a solidarity network. Most of the groups that we approached made the commitment to take active stance for our Halt Genocide Campaign at whatever capacity possible with their given resources. Some of the main groups that we got in touch were Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG - Guelph), CUPE 3913 and United Steelworkers Local 4120.

After these meetings we started our Halt Genocide Teach-in which was well attended by 50 people from various different walks of life. The audience was actively engaged in the discussions that took place after the presentation and the intensity of the discussions relayed one solid message - this is a much needed event for educating the masses. The evening ended with hot samosas and some more informal discussions among those who attended...

Overall we had a good response. We have people who wants to continue working for the cause and actively engage in educating the masses in Guelph.

So far it has been a motivating experience and we hope that this momentum and response continues as we continue this fight for humanity!

Peace,
Minnal Sivan

Halt Genocide Tour Hits Guelph

Guelph, ON - February 10th, 2009

Activists from Canadian HART hit the road today, to raise awareness about the Genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka. We arrived at the University of Guelph at approximately 11 am and met several organizations in the process.

With the help of the Central Student Association and the Tamil Students Association at the University of Guelph, we undertook a massive awareness campaign on campus. We distributed over 800 pamphlets and invited tens of students at the university to participate in the teach-in which occur ed at 5:30 pm.

I was inspired by the turnout we received. Over 50 participants attended the teach-in/information session supported by the Canadian Federation of Students. It was an excellent session, as we had discussions about the ongoing Genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka. I felt motivated when the university's media arrived to the information session.

It was very moving to hear that many Tamil students on campus were affected by this Genocide as they have family and friends still in Sri Lanka. I felt that our tour to the university was important as we opened avenues and tools to participants who wanted to help out in any way possible.

In all, I am thrilled to be apart of this tour. I am hoping and expecting that together we can make a difference; together we will stop the Genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Day one

Day one

Day one of our Halt Genocide tour began with a great kick off at Guelph University. The chance to build a new network of activist and to be able to spread the awareness in southern Ontario was an unforgettable experience. Many kept a keen interest in wanting to know about the current situation in Sri Lankan and were very welcoming to us. Our aim is so spread the awareness and to bring to light the current genocide of the Tamils. I must say I was truly satisfied to see that so many people are willing to listen and make a difference; it’s up to us to educate all those around us to see the change occur. We must always look for opportunities for us to speak up rather than wait for the opportunities to come to us. As Canadians we value freedom, integrity, life, and peace, so we must come together to ask for all this to be provided to those who are oppressed around the world today. We as a community cannot sit back and watch this happen. As many students walked by holding the pamphlet that was being distributed by us, many were shocked to hear that such atrocities were being committed by the Sri Lankan government. After today’s teaching many people walked away knowing the truth about the situation that the Tamils are facing rather than what has been implied by the Sri Lankan government with its propaganda. These are young individuals that are looking to making a difference in the world that they live in because they care and because a human life is something worth speaking up for. A new beginning, a motivation to make a difference and a purpose based on education could get a group of young individuals to make a difference that will bring change. We ask form our fellow Canadians to help us spread the awareness and stop this genocide!

- Peace, Love, Hope

Aranee

February 10 2009: Guelph

Today was the first day, a long day and a longer journey. As the situation in Vanni has gotten worst with Tamil civilians casualties piling up we wasted no time in organizing the Halt Genocide Tour. Leaving work by 3 am I got home, showered, packed, and joined up with Halt Genocide Tour group around 7 am. Driving west in heavy morning traffic we picked up stragglers and arrived in Guelph by 11 am. I tried to get as much rest as possible on the way. Arriving in Guelph, we began linking up with local student activists and leaders, figuring out the lay of the land and making plans. The local MP was away in Ottawa but we arranged a future meeting between the MP and concerned students. The Halt Genocide group split up, with Keerthi and I hitting up the local OPIRG office and other progressive campus groups and associations. We not only found receptive and friendly activists, we found partners in our struggle to contain the Human Tragedy unfolding among Vanni Tamils. We welcomed their offers of moral backing, information, and what ever support they could offer. After a quick lunch we began flyering for our Teach-In at 5pm. The average student either knows nothing or very little about Sri Lanka and we shared as much information as possible among those who were receptive. The teach in was a major success with good attendance and the crowd leaving energized to take action against the Genocide of Tamils. We had to field some questions from attendees who couldn't see the difference between Tigers and Tamils. But we succeeded in impressing upon them that in the current situation resumption of humanitarian relief and internationally monitored ceasefire was paramount in preventing a horrific tragedy.

All these successes were over shadowed by the news that the last members of the last NGO in the Vanni, ICRC, had pulled out in the midst of the SLA's artillery barrage.

-Pio

Activists to tour Ontario to Halt Genocide in Sri Lanka

Activists with the Canadian Humanitarian Appeal for Relief of Tamils (CanadianHart) are taking to the road to ten cities across Ontario on the Halt Genocide Tour. This Campaign, supported by Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) and Canadian Peace Alliance (CPA), is aimed at creating awareness amongst the members of the public, politicians, media, and non-governmental organizations on the genocidal war in Sri Lanka.

CanadianHART’s Halt Genocide Tour will start on February 9, 2009 and carry on to the end of the month. The first leg of the tour will take the activists to Guelph (February 10), Waterloo (February 11), London (February 12), and Windsor (February 13). The second leg of the tour will start on February 23, 2009.

Commenting on why the tour is being undertaken, Mr. Nishanthan Vijayarajah an activist participating in the tour and the Coordinator for the Community Outreach Committee of the CanadianHART, said “during the past one month, Canadians from all walks of life have protested the Government of Sri Lanka’s genocide of Tamils, by taking to the streets, forming human chains, holding vigils and prayers, writing urgent appeals, and by meeting with their elected representatives amongst many other things. However, the Govt. of Sri Lanka’s brutal war on innocent civilians continues unabated. We feel by creating awareness to Canadians across Canada, we can create a peace movement to immediately end the genocide”.

“We all have a role to play. This is not a Canadian Tamil issue. It is a humanitarian issue and every person who cares about fellow human beings need to act now to stop this genocide,” he further said.

Since the beginning of this year, more than 1022 Tamil civilians have been killed and more than 3242 civilians have been critically injured.

The tour team comprised of five youths from the Greater Toronto Area will have teach-ins, conduct meetings with local politicians, and inform members of the general public through leafleting and public forums. In addition to the CFS, Tamil students Associations at various universities have also extended their support to the CanadianHART’s initiative.

Sri Lanka unilaterally abrogated an internationally mediated ceasefire in January of 2008 and launched a massive onslaught on Tamils in the North and East of Sri Lanka. In addition, more than 250,000 Tamil civilians are trapped in an area half the size of Toronto with no access to food, medicine, fuel, or other essentials. Armed forces of the Government of Sri Lanka have effectively laid siege and have cut off all routes of entry and exit to these areas. GoSL has also banned all local and International NGO workers and media from accessing or working in these affected areas.

Canadian Tamil population, estimated at around 300,000 people, is deeply concerned of the plight of their families in the affected areas and has urged immediate Canadian and International intervention to stop this genocide.

“CanadianHART will continue to work towards alerting our government and International community. We cannot afford to stay silent as every single day tens of lives are being lost”, concluded Mr. Vijayarajah.

CanadianHART’s goal is to highlight the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sri Lanka to the World, specifically to all levels of Canadian society, engage them actively through various campaigns, and to influence policy changes with regards to Sri Lanka to bring about Peace with Justice for Tamils in Sri Lanka. For more information, contact CanadianHART at 416 838 9637.

Halt Genocide Tour Dates & Locations

FEBRUARY 10, 2009 - GUELPH
FEBRUARY 11, 2009 - WATERLOO
FEBRUARY 12, 2009 - LONDON
FEBRUARY 13, 2009 - WINDSOR

Future Dates will be updated as they become available.

CanadianHART – Halt Genocide Bus Tour

Canadian Humanitarian Appeal for Relief of Tamils (CanadianHart) is currently to take to the road on a ten city cross Ontario Halt Genocide Tour. This Tour will be aimed at meeting politicians, media outlets, and more importantly conduct teach-ins at various locations to create awareness about the genocide currently taking place and to encourage immediate action to save the Tamils under a siege in Sri Lanka.

Our tour will start on February 9, 2009 and carry on to the end of the month.

This Campaign is also aimed at creating a vibrant grass roots structure organized across Canada to engage in Human rights and Humanitarian Advocacy on behalf of Tamils. We hope to establish contacts across the province, so they can carry on the work of CanadianHART in different cities across the province. We look to expand this across Canada in the next couple of months. Our goal is to create general awareness amongst the members of the public. We will be highlighting the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sri Lanka to the world and more specifically to the Canadian Society, engage them actively through various campaigns and influence policy changes with regards to Sri Lanka to bring about Peace with Justice for Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Currently in Sri Lanka

On Jan 26th, over 400 Tamils were killed by indiscriminate attacks by the Sri Lankan Army in Sri Lankan Government declared Safe Zones.

On Feb 2nd, 5000 shells and a multi barrel rocket launcher were fired into safe zones, hitting hospitals and killing many. Many civilians wounded are forced to stay in bunkers.

The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), in a statement issued from Colombo Sunday expressed shock at the shelling of Puthukkudiyiruppu Hospital a second time in a week, and said "wounded and sick people, medical personnel and medical facilities are all protected by international humanitarian law. Under no circumstance may they be directly attacked," pointing an accusing finger at the Government of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Army (SLA). Tamilnet, Feb 2.

CanadianHART aims to Highlight the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sri Lanka to the World and specifically to all levels of Canadian society, engage them actively through various campaigns and influence policy changes with regards to Sri Lanka to bring about Peace with Justice for Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Government of Sri Lanka has killed more than 100,000 Tamils and through its indiscriminate aerial and artillery attack has forced the internal displacement of more than 500,000 Tamils. It has systematically used pogroms and massacres in violation of all of its International human rights commitment. Sri Lanka’s use of rape, targeted assassination of Tamil community leaders, Members of Parliament, human rights activists and humanitarian workers, and media personnel has been condemned widely. In addition to the 500,000 Tamils who are internally displaced, more than 1,500,000 Tamils have also fled Sri Lanka as refugees.

Recently Sri Lanka was Listed among the top eight "red alert" countries by independent panels of experts organized by the New York based Genocide Prevention Project and voted off the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2008.

However these measures have not stopped Sri Lanka’s genocidal war on Tamils. This campaign by CanadianHART is aimed at creating a massive movement to ensure the World community exerts immediate pressure on the Government of Sri Lanka to immediately halt the genocide.

We call on you to join us immediately to end this genocidal war

If you have any questions please feel free to contact,
CanadianHART at 416 838 9637 or email at info@canadianhart.org