Author(s): Anne Capelle <anneSPAMFILTER@icbl.org> . Paris, france, Saturday 23 July 2005
On 23 July 2005, the Geneva Call " in collaboration with the Centre for Just Peace and Democracy organised workshop "Advancing Mine Action in Sri Lanka Mobilising the European Tamil Diaspora", 20 representatives from Germany, England, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and France met in Paris.
During the day they learned about the humanitarian consequences of landmines and the situation in Sri Lanka. In addition to other presentations, a representative of the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (Sri Lanka) presented the Mine Action program going on in the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) controlled areas. After these presentations, participants discussed the role the Diaspora could have in encouraging the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to renounce the use of mines. It was agreed that it could be presented as a step to build confidence and promote the Peace process between parties . Participants made further recommendations for action that will be published in an upcoming report.
Plans are in the process to hold a similar workshop among the Sri Lanka Diaspora in Canada.