Dear friends,
A modern day bloodbath is unfolding on the small island of Sri Lanka, where a thousand civilians were reported killed over the weekend and tens of thousands of innocent people are literally at risk of being killed this week as government and rebel forces battle it out over the last small patch of rebel held territory.
Now that the US has begun to increase its pressure, the key to stopping this humanitarian disaster lies with Sri Lanka’s largest donor and closest partner in the region — Japan. It has powerful political and economic influence over the Sri Lankan government and a swing vote at the UN Security Council, which up until now has turned a blind eye to this mounting catastrophe.
Click here to send a message to the Japanese Foreign Minister, who is deciding his government’s next steps. Japan cares about its international reputation and a flood of messages from abroad would encourage them to act. If Japan moves then the Sri Lankan government will be forced to immediately respond to protect civilians:
As last weekend´s carnage testifies, every minute counts for the estimated 50,000 civilians still trapped inside the shrinking conflict zone and for those 200,000 more who are barely surviving in overcrowded camps. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which rarely makes public comment, called this conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil rebels, ‘nothing short of catastrophic’.
Until now, the divided UN Security Council has abdicated their responsibility to protect Sri Lankans from war crimes and other atrocities. But in this conflict Japan cannot be ignored – it’s powerful voice could tip the balance and influence the conflict dynamics, saving lives in the short-term and promoting peace and development in the long run.
Asia’s longest-running civil war is entering its final stage – the only question is how many will die before it ends. Let´s send a powerful message urging Foreign Minister Nakasone to act responsibly and lead international efforts to push the Tamil rebels to release the remaining civilians, stop the government bombing and bring sustainable peace to Sri Lanka. Japan’s political and economic weight means that they cannot be ignored:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/stop_the_bloodbath
As other donor nations increase the pressure behind the scenes this week, a truly global citizens’ outcry can further turn the heat on the Japanese government to use its leverage and push for a robust and concerted international action that stops the bloodshed and protect the Sri Lankan civilian population at risk. Thank you for sending your message today.
With hope
Luis, Brett, Alice, Graziela, Pascal, Ben, Ricken, Paula, Iain, Paul, Raj and the rest of the Avaaz Team
Doctor reports hundreds of bodies being brought to hospital as UN says feared bloodbath has become reality – 11 May 2009 -
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/11/sri-lanka-civilian-deaths
Four leading international organisations call on Japan to play a more active role in confronting the unfolding catastrophe in Sri Lanka. Press release:
http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=6097&l=1&m=1
Full text of the letter at:
http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=6096&l=1&m=1
The US accuses Sri Lanka of causing “untold suffering” among civilians, and calls on rebels to release civilians stuck in the conflict zone:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/23/world/asia/23lanka.html
For information about the UN Security Council discussions on Sri Lanka:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5817983.ece
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I sincerely hope ALL READERS will help to sign this petition. The situation is grave.
The place is like what we see in the movies. People dying…without food, medicines….no clean water. This is a beautiful country with full of turmoil.
Your vote would count today….for greater nations to work out something…..to at least help out those displaced from their homes and land.
No news is coming out, except for the latest BBC news crew which was chased out. They aired a program in channel 4 to show ….just the miseries happening in the so called camps. The govt does not want to allw media in …WHY..we know why… don’t we…
Imagine being a refugee in your own country.
hi everyone, dont hesitate, sign the petition
it is a region that should not be fighting
just a click can save lives
The Sri Lankan govt is not going to give a rat’s ass. This is their big chance to drive the Tigers into the sea. They want to finish it, regardless of collateral damage.
wat can japan do when britain, france and so many european countries failed to force a ceasefire??? I will sign the peition for a good cause but seriously, i doubt the sri lankan government will care about the japs response
where was Avaaz when Gaza was attacked? Same situation, same size area, but much more people in Gaza.
japan is the same as any world government including singapore
where there is a fortune to be made
who cared innocent victims die
remember africa nations?
how many millions civilian died?
remember myammer?
let LKY take over sri lanka, transform it to Spore #2
I am suprised that TOC has allowed Avaaz, a global team based in Ottawa, London, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Buenos Aires, and Geneva to write at its site.
If one is to read about TOC, it says
“Who are we? What is the purpose of The Online Citizen (TOC)?
TOC began in December 2006 with a simple aim in mind: telling the stories about Singapore and Singaporeans that weren’t being told in the mainstream press.
TOC is a blog site which endeavours to reflect the views and opinions of ordinary Singaporeans. It is a platform which welcomes contributions from the man in the street, the average citizen who is concerned about issues facing our country.
Here at TOC, Singaporeans share their honest opinions.
TOC does not pretend to be right all the time in what we say. We are open to corrections and even criticisms. It is our hope that through the honest and civil exchange of views, all of us will benefit and perhaps take public discourse, especially on controversial issues, to a higher and mature level.
TOC, as our tagline says, endeavours to be a Community of Singaporeans – concerned citizens who care enough to express their views.”
Where were the rest of the world when Tamil tigers blew up bombs indiscriminately in public areas in and around Colombo?
Innocent children, women, men were killed too?
All the Do Gooders just know how to talk!
Time the Sri Lankan govt put and end to the terrorist group!
Dear Dr Frankenstein, AVAAZ did react and put up a petition campaign for Gaza – http://www.avaaz.org/en/gaza_time_for_peace/
well noted Gven. Apologise for my earlier comment and withdraw it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.