The room was filled with high emotions and a huge round of applause as the Canadian Peace Alliance (CPA) convention unanimously passed the emergency resolution to take action on the Tamil IDP crisis. The resolution called on all CPA member organizations to urge the government of Canada to condemn the government of Sri Lanka for its attacks on the Tamils, and to immediately allow international and local NGOs to provide assistance to the internally displaced people. The emergency resolution also called for CPA member organizations to mobilize emergency demonstrations and other efforts to end the sufferings of the Internally Displaced People, and support the CanadianHART’s campaign to bring an immediate end to the sufferings of the Tamil IDPs.
The Canadian Peace Alliance (CPA), founded in 1985, is Canada's largest umbrella peace organization. The CPA consists of approximately 160 member groups which together act as a broad network, in order to provide a strong, coordinated voice for peace issues at the national level. The convention titled “Canada’s new militarism: Building resistance at home and abroad” was attended by many active delegates and observers from member organizations around Canada. The diversity of the umbrella organization was broadened as members open heartedly welcomed their two new member organizations; the Tamil Youth Organization (TYO), and Canadian Humanitarian Appeal for the Relief of Tamils (CanadianHART).
CanadianHART is a coalition of Canadian organizations advocates for immediate relief for the half a million displaced Tamils in SriLanka and to push for an immediate active solution to the intensifying critical humanitarian crisis imposed by the Sri Lankan government.
The convention took place from Dec 5th – 7th at Ryerson University in Toronto, where member organizations came together to put forth an action plan, and work in solidarity for peaceful solutions to their struggles. The convention agenda was dynamic and provided an avenue for participants to collectively join rallies around the downtown core, discuss pertinent matters in caucus groups, and elect their new steering committees. Key highlights over the weekend included a “Fighting for Civil Liberty” discussion group where delegates and observers discussed the urgent need to fight for, and demand that the Canadian Charter of Rights be upheld for all community groups, including ethnic minorities. The discussion shed light and awareness on the day to day discrimination, racial profiling and obstacles minority group face in Canada.
Many were outraged and shocked at the obstacles and restrictions the Tamil Diaspora faced when mobilizing their community to respond to the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka. Another key highlight was the standing ovation received by CanadianHART for the powerful and emotional testimony delivered during the convention to urge the organizations to come forward and support the Tamil community at this crucial time. The resolution to end the humanitarian crisis faced by the Internally Displaced Tamils in Sri Lanka was passed unanimously with strong support by all member organizations present at the convention. Numerous delegates from various organizations emphasized on the need to unite with the Tamil Diaspora, and the immediate assistance needed for the Tamil crisis in Sri Lanka.
Published: Dec 10, 2008 12:59:12 GMT