February 4 2008 is the Sri Lankan Independence Day, but since that day 60 years ago, the Tamils inhabiting that island have only witnessed discrimination, suffering, torture and genocide at the hands of the Sri Lankan government.Tamil Youth Organisation of Australia encourages you to wear a black armband to work/school/uni on Monday Feb 4 in solidarity with the native Tamils of NorthEast Sri Lanka, and explain to your collegues that whilst many other countries celebrate their independence, the Tamils of the NorthEast are mourning this day as it was day that they were granted their death sentence. They have seen nothing but death, discrimination and destruction over the last 60 yrs.

We hope to be distributing black armbands to many of the Tamil shops within the next few days. Please direct your family/friends to pick one up over the course of this week, or alternatively, make a black armband themselves.
 
For info and statistics to help you answer questions thrown your way on human rights abuses faced by Tamils and the humanitarian catastrophe visit:

http://www.tyoaustralia.org/
http://www.blackjuly.info/
 
Suggested sources - Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and the United Nations.
 
This has to be a community effort. Thank you for your support.


 























































Regards,
Tamil Youth Organisation of Australia
 
"Our history...Our people...Our future..."