“We join with the families and friends of victims of the disappeared of Sri Lanka in honoring the memories of their loved ones as they gather today to commemorate the National Day of the Disappeared”, Mary Aileen Bacalso, Secretary General of the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD), said in a statement. 

The memorial is an important and sacred site for the families to meet annually, share their stories of perseverance and little victories in the search for truth and justice despite very difficult circumstances under a repressive government. It is where they can collectively honor the memories of their disappeared loved ones. It is also a manifestation of the Sri Lankan government’s dark human rights record both of the past and of the present. 

The search for their disappeared loved ones has been long and arduous especially under the present Rajapaksa government where impunity is to be the order of the day and the Prevention Against Terrorism Act used as a convenient vehicle to suppress freedom of expression and association of its citizens. Take the case of Jeyakumari Balendran, a mother who actively campaigned for justice for her disappeared son and those others from the north of Sri Lanka. She was arrested in early March based on this anti-terrorism act and remains imprisoned until today. 

But her fate does not deter the others. No matter how limited and dangerous it is for them to be seen and to speak out especially those in highly militarized places, slowly, families of the disappeared, together with their friends and those touched by their situation, are emboldened to organize and make their voices heard in public spaces. Their allies in media who are also not cowed to cover their stories enable them to reach out to other peoples within and outside of Sri Lanka. 

Thus, the historic resolution of the United Nations Human Rights Council in March 2014, creating an independent commission to investigate the human rights situation in Sri Lanka is a victory for the families of victims of enforced disappearance whose plight contributed to the growing international condemnation of the government’s callousness towards their demand for truth and justice. 

The struggle for a world without disappearances is indeed grounded on the strength of the organization of families who can speak for their issues supported by a bigger society within and beyond who will embrace their cause as their own. Building international solidarity is thus important. 

AFAD calls on the multi-ethnic peoples of Sri Lanka to join with the families of disappeared victims in remembering their loved ones on this important day. Support them in whatever way you can, by telling their stories to other peoples and accompanying them in their continued search for truth and justice. Lastly, AFAD enjoins the Sri Lankan peoples to be on guard against attempts by government to push back these little gains through intimidation and false information. 

Let us join hands to end impunity and claim justice for victims of enforced disappearance and other human rights violations. 

Signed and authenticated by:

Mary Aileen Bacalso 
Secretary General