A group of war victims and activists in northern Sri Lanka have petitioned the United Nations to launch an international investigation into allegations of genocide against state authorities.

The appeal was submitted to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) office in Jaffna for forwarding to UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk.

It followed a four day rally titled Wail of Justice which concluded near the Chemmani mass grave site.

Protesters marched from the Jaffna Public Library to present a 15-point memorandum to UN officials ahead of the Human Rights Council session scheduled for September.

Demands for global action

The petition urges UN member states to mandate an international inquiry into alleged war crimes and enforced disappearances.

It calls for international travel bans on Sri Lankan military, political, and police officials credibly linked to atrocities.

Protesters also requested a referendum to decide political self-determination for Tamil regions.

The march included families of the missing, university students, and local politicians from across the Northern and Eastern provinces.

Forensic probe requested

Activists demanded full international oversight for mass grave excavations, including the Chemmani site.

They urged the UN Sri Lanka Accountability Project to oversee forensic testing, including carbon dating and DNA analysis, while extending its evidence gathering mandate beyond 2027.

The memorandum further called for the repeal of the PTA, the release of long-term political prisoners, and an immediate end to land acquisition by state departments in the region.

(Source- The Leader)