Right of self-determination for the Tamil people

The Socialist Alliance recognises that Tamils are an oppressed nation within Sri Lanka, and supports their right to self-determination.

This means that Tamils should have the right to choose whether they wish to be part of a united Sri Lanka, to break away and form an independent Tamil state in their traditional homelands in the north and east of the island, or to have some intermediate form such as federalism or autonomy.

Regardless of whether Sri Lanka remains a single state or whether the Tamil areas become independent, the rights of minorities must be protected.

This includes the rights of Tamils, Muslims and other minorities in Sinhalese areas, and the rights of Muslims and Sinhalese in Tamil areas.

The Socialist Alliance demands:

That the Sri Lankan government stops the bombing, shelling and all military operations against the Tamil minority, and starts political negotiations based on the right to self-determination of the Tamils.

We also demand the Australian government:

1. Call on the Sri Lankan government to enter such negotiations
2. Take immediate action to enable those in Australia who want to assist the beleaguered Tamil and muslim civilians in the north and east of Sri Lanka to be able to do so without threat of facing “anti-terror” charges.
3. Take immediate action to drop the “anti-terror” charges against Australian Tamil activists who assisted Tamils in Sri Lanka.
4. Accepts Tamils fleeing brutality as refugees.

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