Sri Lanka Sovereignty Forum

We have the honour to address you on behalf of the Sri Lanka Sovereignty Forum regarding an issue of utmost seriousness: the public display of the symbols and insignia of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) — an internationally proscribed terrorist organisation — in Geneva during the sessions of the Human Rights Council.

This development is deeply troubling for several reasons:

1.    Contravention of International Counter-Terrorism Norms

The LTTE remains banned in 32 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, and India. The open display of its flags, insignia, and emblems, as well as placards glorifying its leadership and even calling for the retention of arms, constitutes an overt act of glorification of terrorism. This is in clear contradiction to United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1267, 1373, and subsequent instruments which obligate Member States to prevent the promotion of terrorist groups in any form.

Evidence 1: Note what the placard states “LTTE is our savior: dont demand to lay down their weapons” – displayed close to iconic Broken Chair

Evidence: 2 A clearer photo – notice on far right is a map of Sri Lanka with separate state marked

Evidence 3: This is Thileepan a LTTE terrorist who went on hunger strike & died on 26 September 1987 months after Indo-Lanka Accord was signed & Sri Lanka troops were confined to barracks and Indian PeaceKeepers were sent to Sri Lanka.

A terrorist is being commemorated on the UN premises in Geneva. Who gave them permission to erect these? 

1.    Host State Obligations

Under Swiss law, particularly the provisions of the Swiss Criminal Code relating to terrorism, such public displays are prohibited. As the Host State, Switzerland bears the responsibility to ensure that its territory, including the vicinity of UN premises in Geneva, is not used to promote or legitimise terrorist propaganda.

2.    Erosion of UN Credibility and Integrity

Allowing glorification of terrorism in proximity to the United Nations gravely undermines the organisation’s credibility. It raises a legitimate and urgent question: would similar displays in favour of other proscribed groups such as Al-Qaeda or ISIS be tolerated? To permit such partiality in respect of one proscribed group, while rejecting others, damages the neutrality and integrity of the UN system.

3.    Threat to Global Security and Precedent for Impunity

The demand to legitimise the LTTE’s retention of arms is not symbolic rhetoric but an incitement to violence. Failure to act against such provocations creates a dangerous precedent whereby proscribed groups may misuse international platforms to normalise their cause and mobilise support under the guise of civil society activism.

4.    Undermining Sri Lanka’s Peace and Reconciliation Process

The people of Sri Lanka endured three decades of terrorism which claimed thousands of innocent lives — Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, and others alike. 

The LTTE’s recruitment of child soldiers, use of human shields, assassinations, and suicide bombings are well-documented. 

To allow the LTTE’s imagery to resurface in Geneva dishonours the victims and destabilises post-conflict reconciliation efforts.

In light of the above, we respectfully urge:

·      The Government of Switzerland to strictly enforce its domestic counter-terrorism legislation and to ensure that LTTE insignia and slogans are not displayed in public spaces, particularly in proximity to UN premises.

·      The United Nations Secretariat and the Human Rights Council to immediately annul the accreditation of all NGOs and organisations found to be publicly displaying LTTE flags or insignia. Such entities do not represent civilians or victims but act as proxies of a proscribed terrorist organisation.

·      All UN Member States to ensure that photographs and identities of individuals and organisations engaged in glorifying the LTTE are circulated to immigration and border security authorities worldwide, to facilitate surveillance and prevent their misuse of international platforms.

·      Governments of Western capitals and host authorities to closely monitor and prohibit all future public displays of LTTE flags, banners, or insignia within their jurisdictions, ensuring that their cities are not exploited for the promotion of terrorist propaganda.

·      The United Nations System to adopt clear and uniform procedures prohibiting the participation of individuals or groups linked to proscribed terrorist organisations, thereby preserving the integrity of UN processes.

Excellencies,

The credibility of the United Nations depends upon its ability to uphold universal principles without partiality. Terrorism cannot be condemned selectively. We are confident that you will recognise the seExcellencies, Distinguished Members of the United Nations Human Rights Council and the United Nations General Assembly,

We have the honour to address you on behalf of the Sri Lanka Sovereignty Forum regarding an issue of utmost seriousness: the public display of the symbols and insignia of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) — an internationally proscribed terrorist organisation — in Geneva during the sessions of the Human Rights Council.

This development is deeply troubling for several reasons:

1.    Contravention of International Counter-Terrorism Norms

The LTTE remains banned in 32 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, and India. The open display of its flags, insignia, and emblems, as well as placards glorifying its leadership and even calling for the retention of arms, constitutes an overt act of glorification of terrorism. This is in clear contradiction to United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1267, 1373, and subsequent instruments which obligate Member States to prevent the promotion of terrorist groups in any form.

Evidence 1: Note what the placard states “LTTE is our savior: dont demand to lay down their weapons” – displayed close to iconic Broken Chair

Evidence: 2 A clearer photo – notice on far right is a map of Sri Lanka with separate state marked

Evidence 3: This is Thileepan a LTTE terrorist who went on hunger strike & died on 26 September 1987 months after Indo-Lanka Accord was signed & Sri Lanka troops were confined to barracks and Indian PeaceKeepers were sent to Sri Lanka.

A terrorist is being commemorated on the UN premises in Geneva. Who gave them permission to erect these? 

1.    Host State Obligations

Under Swiss law, particularly the provisions of the Swiss Criminal Code relating to terrorism, such public displays are prohibited. As the Host State, Switzerland bears the responsibility to ensure that its territory, including the vicinity of UN premises in Geneva, is not used to promote or legitimise terrorist propaganda.

2.    Erosion of UN Credibility and Integrity

Allowing glorification of terrorism in proximity to the United Nations gravely undermines the organisation’s credibility. It raises a legitimate and urgent question: would similar displays in favour of other proscribed groups such as Al-Qaeda or ISIS be tolerated? To permit such partiality in respect of one proscribed group, while rejecting others, damages the neutrality and integrity of the UN system.

3.    Threat to Global Security and Precedent for Impunity

The demand to legitimise the LTTE’s retention of arms is not symbolic rhetoric but an incitement to violence. Failure to act against such provocations creates a dangerous precedent whereby proscribed groups may misuse international platforms to normalise their cause and mobilise support under the guise of civil society activism.

4.    Undermining Sri Lanka’s Peace and Reconciliation Process

The people of Sri Lanka endured three decades of terrorism which claimed thousands of innocent lives — Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, and others alike. 

The LTTE’s recruitment of child soldiers, use of human shields, assassinations, and suicide bombings are well-documented. 

To allow the LTTE’s imagery to resurface in Geneva dishonours the victims and destabilises post-conflict reconciliation efforts.

In light of the above, we respectfully urge:

·      The Government of Switzerland to strictly enforce its domestic counter-terrorism legislation and to ensure that LTTE insignia and slogans are not displayed in public spaces, particularly in proximity to UN premises.

·      The United Nations Secretariat and the Human Rights Council to immediately annul the accreditation of all NGOs and organisations found to be publicly displaying LTTE flags or insignia. Such entities do not represent civilians or victims but act as proxies of a proscribed terrorist organisation.

·      All UN Member States to ensure that photographs and identities of individuals and organisations engaged in glorifying the LTTE are circulated to immigration and border security authorities worldwide, to facilitate surveillance and prevent their misuse of international platforms.

·      Governments of Western capitals and host authorities to closely monitor and prohibit all future public displays of LTTE flags, banners, or insignia within their jurisdictions, ensuring that their cities are not exploited for the promotion of terrorist propaganda.

·      The United Nations System to adopt clear and uniform procedures prohibiting the participation of individuals or groups linked to proscribed terrorist organisations, thereby preserving the integrity of UN processes.

Excellencies,

The credibility of the United Nations depends upon its ability to uphold universal principles without partiality. Terrorism cannot be condemned selectively. We are confident that you will recognise the seriousness of this matter and take immediate measures to safeguard the neutrality of the UN system, the dignity of victims of terrorism worldwide, and the rule of international law.

Please accept, Excellencies, the assurances of our highest consideration.

Respectfully,

Sri Lanka Sovereignty Forumriousness of this matter and take immediate measures to safeguard the neutrality of the UN system, the dignity of victims of terrorism worldwide, and the rule of international law.

Please accept, Excellencies, the assurances of our highest consideration.

Respectfully,

Sri Lanka Sovereignty Foru