UN Human Rights Chief Visits Chemmani Mass Grave Site in Jaffna
A massive protest began today near the Jaffna entrance, close to the Chemmani area, demanding justice for the victims of the Chemmani mass grave.
With the number of mass graves in Sri Lanka continuing to rise and no accountability measures yet in place, the protest aims to spotlight the issue internationally and reiterate the long-standing call for justice for the Tamil people.
Organized by the People’s Action Movement and led by prominent human rights lawyer Vaishnavi Shanmuganathan, the peaceful demonstration—titled ‘Unfading Glow’—was launched this morning with a symbolic flame lighting by a relative of Krishanti, a young woman murdered in 1996 in the same region.
The protest drew wide support, including participation from interfaith religious leaders, political representatives, civil society members, and the general public. Floral tributes were offered in remembrance of those lost.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, who is currently visiting Sri Lanka, arrived in Jaffna on 25th.
He was flown by helicopter to the Jaffna Central College grounds and began his visit by meeting officials at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) office on Kovil Road.
