Minority Forum Item 3: Legal and institutional framework: the human rights of minorities and conflict prevention Delivered by: Thushyanthini Thank you chair, Tamils are facing structural Genocide over last 7 decades, more than 400 000 tamils were Killed, over 2 millions or Tamils were forced to leave the country and over 1,4 million tamils lost their citizenship, The Tamil Homelands in Sri Lanka are still heavily militarized as 60,000 troops are stationed in the Mullaitivu district alone over 200 000 in all other 7 Tamils districts. We have witnessed the Sri Lankan authorities visibly threatening the victims who are bravely visiting the UNHRC in Geneva to share their experiences. They verbally abuse and slander them. Their arrogant racist behavior at the international forum is ample evidence of Sri Lanka’s anti- Tamil attitude. Resettled families are facing constant harassment from the Sinhala police and special task force (STF) commandos. The Tamil fishermen are protesting against the illegal poaching of sea cucumbers by the Sinhala fishermen who have the protection of Sri Lankan Navy. These peaceful demonstrators who are fighting for their livelihood have received multiple death threats. Over 1100 Buddhist installations have been put up in Traditional Tamil Homelands in the northern part of Sri Lanka. These places of worship have been erected in communities with no Buddhist Civilians, but only the occupying Sinhala military. While the Sri Lankan Army are still portrayed as war heroes in spite of the numerous human rights violations, the Eelam Tamils are still treated as criminals. Only an independent international investigation, referral to the ICC and Referendum can bring justice, peace and ensure the survival of the Eelam Tamils’ livelihoods. Thank you