[Greens-Media] Tamil MP to speak about human rights in Sri Lanka and Australia’s role

[Jegatheeswaran, Brami (Jegan) (Sen L. Rhiannon)]

MEDIA ALERT
5 March 2014

Tamil MP to speak about human rights in Sri Lanka and Australia’s role

Who: Hon M A Sumanthiran, Tamil MP in Sri Lanka
When: TODAY 11.30 -1.00pm
Where: 1R1
What: The UN Human Rights Council adopted US-initiated resolutions in March 2012 and March 2013 (which were co-sponsored by Australia), urging Sri Lanka to address concerns of ongoing human rights abuses, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

With the failure of the Sri Lankan government to comply, further initiatives are likely at the UNHRC during the March 2014 session.

Mr Sumanthiran will be discussing what actions Australia can take within the wider geopolitical context to bring about tangible changes that will lead to accountability, democratization, reconciliation and economic growth in Sri Lanka.

Greens Senator Rhiannon will share key findings on her fact finding mission to Sri Lanka. The forum will be hosted by Senator Lee Rhiannon, Michelle Rowland MP and Craig Laundy MP.

Mr. M A Sumanthiran MP
Mr. Sumanthiran did his LLM at the Monash University in 2001. Since returning to Sri Lanka, he practiced as an Attorney-at-Law prior to entering politics.  He is considered as one of the strongest human rights advocates in Sri Lanka.
Mr. Sumanthiran entered Parliament in 2010 as a member of Sri Lanka’s largest, democratically elected Tamil party, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA).  His Parliamentary speeches, writings and legal actions in defence of human rights of all citizens were recognized both at home and abroad.
He was a member of the TNA’s team that was involved in direct talks (now defunct) with the Sri Lankan government representatives to arrive at a political consensus.

Contact: 0487 350 880



Brami Jegan
Media Adviser 0487 350 880
Office of Senator Lee Rhiannon | Australian Greens Senator for New South Wales

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