Statement by the Leader of the Official Opposition regarding the Black July Pogrom

The Leader of the Official Opposition, Tom Mulcair made the following statement regarding the Black July pogrom:

“Today, New Democrats’ thoughts are with the Tamil community in Canada and around the world as we commemorate Black July.

We remember the hundreds of Tamils who were killed and the thousands who were displaced when their homes and businesses were destroyed in Sri Lanka from the violence that ensued from the pogroms targeting Tamils that began on July 23, 1983. The perpetrators and organizers of the violence have never been held accountable for their actions.

As we remember, New Democrats renew our commitment to defend the human rights of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka and press for accountability. Canada and the world have a responsibility to ensure to ensure that basic human rights principles are upheld by all countries. We also strongly condemn the Sri Lankan government’s ban on diaspora groups in Canada and around the world.

Lest we forget.”