Shenali D Waduge Sri Lankan Citizen  

18 September 2025

Subject: 
Urgent Legal Inquiry Regarding Public Display of LTTE Symbols Near UNHRC, Geneva

To:
Swiss Federal Authorities / Permanent Mission of Switzerland in Geneva
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
UN Geneva Security
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN, Geneva

Dear Sir/Madam,

I write as a concerned Sri Lankan citizen to formally raise urgent legal and human rights concerns regarding the public display of symbols, flags, portraits, and banners associated with the Libe ration Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)near the UNHRC premises in Geneva, specifically around the Broken Chair at Place des Nations.

1. Background

·      The LTTE is a proscribed terrorist organisation in Sri Lanka, the UK, EU, US, and 32 other countries.

·      Banning a terrorist organisation automatically bans all terrorist-related symbols. All LTTE-related symbols — flags, logos, portraits, the Karthigaipoo flower, Lebbek/Vahai tree, and other emblems — must also be legally banned in every country that continues to ban the LTTE.

·      Photographic and video evidence shows these symbols being publicly displayed in Geneva in September 2025, adjacent to UN premises and during UNHRC sessions.

2. Legal Context

·      Swiss Law: Articles 260bis and related provisions of the Swiss Criminal Code prohibit support, glorification, or promotion of te rrorism. 

Does the public display of LTTE symbols constitute such prohibited acts?

·    UN Responsibilities: 

Under the UN Headquarters Agreement and consistent with UN Security Council Resolutions, Switzerland, as the host country, is obligated to ensure that domestic laws prohibiting the glorificati on of terrorism are upheld within its territory, including areas adjacent to UN premises. Allowing the display of symbols associated with proscribed terrorist organizations may contravene these obligations. 

Who has given authority for LTTE, a banned organisation to flaunt terror insignia within or near UN premises?

·      International Counter-Terrorism Obligations: 

Switzerland, as a UN member, is obliged under UNSC Resolutions 1373 and 1267 to preve nt support for terrorist groups. 

Why has Swiss police not taken action against pro-LTTE insignia & events in Geneva?

3. Key Concerns and Questions

1.    Banning LTTE Symbols

·      Under what legal provisions are LTTE flags, portraits, and other symbols permitted in Geneva, especially near UNHRC premises?

·      How does this align with Swiss law and international counter-terrorism obligations?

2.    Protection of Civilians vs Glorification of Terrorists

·      UN and Swiss authorities are mandated to protect unarmed civilians and prevent violence.

·      Allowing LTTE symbols glorifies individuals responsible for mass murders and terrorism, directly contradicting this mandate.

·      Some posters are even demanding LTTE be allowed to continue hold ing weapons.

·      Displaying these symbols constitutes indirect support or encouragement of terrorism, actionable under Swiss law and international counter-terrorism norms.

3.    Violation of UN Premises Neutrality

·      UN premises and adjacent public areas must remain neutral spaces for diplomacy and human rights, not platforms for any banned terrorist organisation.

·      Allowing LTTE symbols erodes the neutrality of UN premises and implies tacit acceptance of terrorist glorification.

4.    Selective Tolerance / Double Standard

·      Would symbols of Al Qaeda, ISIS, or Boko Haram ever be permitted under similar circumstances?

·      If not, what justifies the differential treatment of the LTTE, a proscribed terrorist organisation as well?

5.    Future Risk Scenario

·      Current tolerance sets a dangerous precedent. 

In 2026, what if Al Qaeda, ISIS, or other proscribed terrorist organisations attempt similar displays outside the Broken Chair or other UN landmarks?

·      Authorities must clarify and enforce consistent legal standards now to prevent such abuses.

6.     Implications for Sri Lanka

·      Pressuring Sri Lanka to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act or establish Truth Commissions, while LTTE symbols are tolerate d internationally and LTTE groups demand to continue holding weapons, undermines national security, the rule of law, and counter-terrorism credibility. It also renders reconciliation mechanisms demanded by UN/UNHRC meaningless.

4. Request for Action

·      Provide a written explanation of the Swiss legal and administrative grounds permitting these displays of LTTE terrorist insignia.

·      Clarify UNHRC policies and enforcement regarding terrorist symbols near UN premises.

·      Take immediate measures to ensure compliance with domestic and international anti-terrorism laws, and prevent glorification of terrorist organisations.

·      Ensure that UN premises and adjacent areas are aligned with the mandate to protect civilians, not provide a platform for banned terrorist organisations.

Attachments: 

Photographs and videos documenting LTTE symbols displayed near the Broken Chair, Place des Nations, Geneva September 2025.

I respectfully request a written response clarifying the legal and procedural basis for these public displays.

Sincerely,
Shenali D Waduge
Sri Lankan Citizen