Socialists across the world declare solidarity with Sri Lanka's Tamils

The NSSP, the Sri Lankan section of the United Secretariat of the Fourth International, is campaigning to oppose the Sri Lankan government’s military onslaught against the Tamil people. As part of this, it has launched a statement now signed by thirty USFI and other socialist organisations across the world.

While maintaining our disagreements with the USFI, Workers’ Liberty has signed the statement, and we urge other socialist/revolutionary organisations in Britain to do likewise.

For more information, see the NSSP website.

Sri Lanka appeal

In the aftermath of the unilateral withdrawal by the Rajapakse regime from the Ceasefire Agreement, and the growing civilian massacres, destruction and absence of the rule of law, there can be little doubt that the government’s intention to impose a military solution to the Tamil question is bringing grief and suffering to huge numbers of civilians of all ethnic groups, not only Tamils but also the Sinhala and Muslim masses.

We have a collective duty of solidarity with peoples subjugated by oppressive regimes. That is why we defend the just cause of the Tamil people and demand justice and peace for them in their homeland where they have lived for centuries. The permanent risk to human life and the absence of productive life are condemning hundreds of thousands of Tamils to be refugees in their own homeland, without shelter, suffering from shortages of food, fuel, medical supplies and electricity. This brings untold suffering to the sick and needy, especially affecting women and children.

Since 1974 our comrades of the NSSP/Left Front have been campaigning for the recognition of the Tamil nationality, autonomy for their homeland and their right to self-determination. This constitutes the basis for the resolution of the chronic and deteriorating conflict in Sri Lanka.

In the present crucial moment we appeal to left and progressive organisations, trade unions, intellectuals and the progressive media all over the world to give their support to a solution based on the recognition of Tamil nationhood, their homeland, autonomy and the right to self-determination. We demand that the Sri Lankan government halt air bombardments and artillery shelling of civilian settlements, restore the ceasefire and abandon its attempts to impose its will on the Tamil people by military force.

Launched 4 March 2008

The signatories

Algeria - Socialist Workers Party (PST)
Basque country - Ezker Gogoa (EG)
Belgium - Socialist Workers' Party (SAP)
Bolivia - Partido Obrero Revolucionario. Combate
Brazil - Socialism and Freedom Party (P-SOL)
Denmark - Socialist Workers' Party (SAP)
Ecuador - Democracia Socailista (DS)
Ecuador - Refundacion Socialista (RS)
France - Revolutionary Communist League (LCR)
France - Europe Solidaire Sans Frontiere (ESSF)
Germany - International Socialist Left (ISL)
Germany - Revolutionary Socialist League (RSB)
Greece - Kokkino – Red
Greece - Organization of Communist Internationalists of Greece-Spartacus (OKDE Spartakos)
Italy - Bandiera Rossa Association (BRA)
Japan - Japan Revolutionary Communist League (JRCL)
Mexico - Revolutionary Workers' Party (PRT)
Netherlands - Socialist Alternative Politics (SAP))
Netherlands - International Institute for Research and Education (IIRE)
Pakistan - Labour Party of Pakistan (LPP)
Peru - Resistencia Global (RG)
Philippines - Revolutionary Workers Party - Mindanao (RWP-M)
Puerto Rico - Political Education Workshop (TFP)
USA - International Socialist Organization (ISO)
UK – International Socialist Group (ISG)
UK – Workers’ Liberty (AWL)
Sweden - Socialist Party (SP)
Switzerland – G Anticap
Turkey - Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP)
Quebec - Gauche Socialiste (GS)

Source: workersliberty.org