Six French MPs Urge Recognition of War Crimes Against Tamils in Sri Lanka

02-Aug-2025

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Six members of the French Parliament have jointly urged their government to recognize that war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed against Tamils in Sri Lanka and to support the initiation of a credible international judicial mechanism.

Condemning the decades-long human rights violations committed against Tamils, the MPs issued a joint statement emphasizing the urgent need for truth and justice. They highlighted that during the final stages of the civil war, thousands of Tamils were killed by the Sri Lankan military. While some reports cite over 40,000 deaths, the actual number is believed to be significantly higher.

The MPs also referenced the discovery of a mass grave in Chemmani, Jaffna in February 2025. They emphasized that war crimes and the continued inability of Tamils to live peacefully in Sri Lanka for over 80 years are undeniable realities. 

Despite repeated calls for justice by the Tamil community, no independent investigations have been initiated to date.

They also mentioned other mass grave discoveries in recent years at locations such as Thiruketheeswaram (Mannar), Kaluwanchikudy (Batticaloa), Sathosa (Mannar), and Kokkuthoduvai (Mullaitivu), stating these reflect the ongoing culture of impunity in Sri Lanka. 

The MPs reiterated their call for the French government to recognize the war crimes and to support the establishment of a credible international legal mechanism.