Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on Black July Anniversary

July 22, 2014

OTTAWA – The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement on the anniversary of Black July:

“Tamil-Canadians and members of the Tamil community around the world mourn the pogroms of Black July, which began 31 years ago on July 24, 1983. We pause to solemnly remember the thousands of deaths that took place throughout the entirety of the Sri Lankan Civil War, which wreaked havoc on an entire nation for more than two decades.

“The Liberal Party of Canada has long called for an international, independent investigation into the war crimes and crimes against humanity that allegedly occurred during the Sri Lankan Civil War. We welcomed the UN Human Rights Council’s decision to conduct such an investigation; it is a step forward and we call on the Sri Lankan government to fully co-operate in order to bring peace, accountability, and justice to the people of Sri Lanka.

“Our country has welcomed those seeking asylum during this protracted crisis, and we continue to accept refugees and immigrants from Sri Lanka who come to Canada in search of safety, equality, and prosperity. We must and we will continue to work with the international community to achieve accountability and justice for those who have suffered the horrors of the Sri Lankan Civil War.

“I join in solemnly observing this important anniversary.”