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Canada has rejected retired Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sumangala Dias as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in the country for being accused of war crimes. His name was approved last November STALIN BECOMES TAMIL NADU’S to take up the top post at the Sri Lanka Mission in Ottawa, but Canada delayed giving consent to his CHIEF MINISTER appointment. ...SEE PAGE 4 The much-awaited Tamil Nadu election 2021 came on May 2 - nearly a month after polling. The DMK and its allies dethroned the ruling AIADMK US SAYS ARMENIAN and won the election by securing over 150 seats. Late M. Karunanidhi’s son M.K. Stalin will KILLINGS WERE GENOCIDE become the chief minister of the state. ...SEE PAGE 4 What’s Inside... Last month US MYANMAR HEADING TOWARDS “FULL- Editorial...... 03 President Joe Biden Canadian News...... 06 recognised the 1915 BLOWN CONFLICT” South Asian News...... 10 Global News...... 14 killings of Armenians The situation in Myanmar is going from bad to Law...... 17 by Ottoman forces as worse every day as unrest has gripped the country. Politics...... 19 genocide, a watershed The United Nations warned last month the situation Students...... 23 Medicine & Health...... 25 moment for descendants could deteriorate into “full-blown conflict.” Science & Technology...... 27 of the hundreds of Peaceful pro-democracy street demonstrations and Real Estate...... 29 thousands of dead as work stoppages have given way to paramilitary Economy & Social Issues...... 31 Seniors, Women & Children.....33 he defied decades of operations in opposition to the country’s ruthless Entertainment...... 35 pressure by Turkey. military, which seized power in a coup d’état on Sports...... 37 February 1. ...SEE PAGE 4 ...SEE PAGE 8 HAVE YOU BEEN IN A TRAFFIC S Kumarasamy TICKETS BSc., BA (Honours), MA, Paralegal Advocate MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario ACCIDENT? BENEFITS 416-723-7387 PAGE 2 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021

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From the Editor-in-Chief

Very pleased to meet you through our 42nd edition. We need to highlight three important events that carry important steppingstones in our lives to remember. Although some of these events do not reflect directly in our own lives, they somehow affect our society. Last month US President Joe Biden recognized the 1915 killings of Armenians by Ottoman forces as genocide, a watershed moment for descendants of the FOR JUSTICE hundreds of thousands of dead as he defied decades of pressure by Turkey. Mr. Biden became the first US president to use the word genocide in a statement Together, we can change society! on the anniversary, a day after informing Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the decision and seeking to limit the furore from the NATO ally. He said in a statement on April 24, “We remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such Mission an atrocity from ever again occurring.” Genocide of any nature and wherever With the view to providing a voice to expose acts of injustice against it happens should be recognized, and the culprits should be exposed. Although individuals or communities, whether they be unfair, discriminatory, illegal this type of message comes after one hundred years does not carry any weight in or unjust, “Voice for Justice” stands firm on the ground that there can be no punishing the perpetrators of the crime; however, these types of messages could freedom without justice. Your support is needed to achieve this. Together, send a warning to those who still carry out violence against innocent civilians, we can change society! and those who are struggling either by peaceful means or in any other means to achieve freedom for a particular group. As we move to the next topic, which is also related to genocidal regime Objectives and those who perpetrated the violence against Tamil civilians is another vital topic. It is a welcoming action by the Canadian Government in rejecting the “Voice for Justice” represents the unheard voices of voiceless people the Sri Lankan’s retired Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sumangala Dias as Sri world over living under extremely difficult political, social and economic Lanka’s High Commissioner in the country for being accused of war crimes. conditions, conditions not of their making, that need to be exposed. His name was approved last November to take up the top post at the Sri Lanka Impoverishment, exploitation and marginalization lead to injustices Mission in Ottawa, but Canada delayed giving consent to his appointment. to the voiceless, devoid of education, good health and decreasing life However, taking his war-time role into consideration, Canadian Government expectancy with their children fast becoming the underclass of the finally declined to accept him as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in the country. underprivileged. When Dias was selected for the post, a strong protest was created among the Tamil community and human rights groups. Different forums carried out It is extremely difficult to describe the miseries that these peoples have campaigns online urging the Canadian Government not to appoint him. The to endure, and they have little hope of calling attention of their plight. campaign yielded positive results. However, it is sad to learn Dias will now It is in this context that some freelance amateur journalists and take up the role of Ambassador to Italy and will head to Rome. It is pathetic professional academics have banded together to undertake the ambitious Romans have not yet realized the brutality even in the contemporary world. task of making a dent in the print media to educate and inform the world, It is a well-known fact the former Air Force commander was appointed as which has little or no knowledge of the voiceless half around the world. senior air coordinator during the final stages of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka The journal is also intended to provide a forum for these people to freely who was coordinating (SLAF) operations with the ground express their views. operations of the 57,58 and 59 divisions of the Sri Lankan Army, which have been credibly accused of war crimes. Dias was appointed as base commander at As a result of questions as to how we could be of assistance to these SLAF Hingurakoda Base, Sri Lanka in 2005, from which many indiscriminate people, we have decided to dedicate our time and energies to a publication bombing missions against civilian targets originated. While welcoming the that focuses on these people whose rights and justice are being denied. rejection of his appointment by Canada, it is a disappointment about the attitude of Italy. This publication is not intended to pursue a particular ideology or to be a critique of governments, institutions or any group. “Voice for Justice” It is noteworthy to discuss the result of the Tamil Nadu election. M.K. has no affiliation to any group or organization and is not motivated by any Stalin, the son of former late Chief Minister Karunanidhi, has become CM political consideration. The prime objective is to be a catalyst to sensitize the with a landslide victory. His party, DMK, managed to sweep the victory while rest of the world by drawing their attention to the problems and injustices. pushing the ruling party, ADMK into official opposition status. Tamils world We believe those distant and voiceless voices must be heard. over are hoping Stalin’s government will take necessary steps to demand justice and stand by the Tamils against the genocidal regime in Sri Lanka and urge the We invite you to contribute articles and papers and participate in other Indian government and the international community to bring the perpetrators ways, including financial support, in making this newspaper venture a of international crimes to justice so that the Tamils in Sri Lanka can live in their success. We will initially start off with a monthly publication. As we get homeland with freedom and justice. more support from readers and commercial establishments, we will make Lastly, COVID-19 is continuing to spread around the world, with more it bi-weekly and then weekly. than 145 million confirmed cases and three million deaths across nearly 200 countries. The US, and Brazil have seen the highest number of confirmed Together, we can change society! cases, followed by France, Russia, and Turkey. Several European countries have seen spikes in COVID cases in recent months. The surges in Turkey, Germany and the Netherlands are continuing to rise currently, but the number of daily Disclaimer infections has slowed in France and Italy. The US has recorded more than 31 “Voice for Justice”, your free monthly bilingual (Tamil and English) million cases and more than 570,000 deaths, the highest figures in the world. tabloid, is published in Toronto and circulated in Canada. India has reported more than 17 million confirmed cases, the second-highest total in the world. While the global population has started to get vaccinated for We are determined to publish an unbiased and informative journal. the virus, the rising toll of COVID-19 has created panic, especially with people “Voice for Justice” prides itself on its professional team of journalists, dying in India by the thousands. This is alarming since the Indian society lives writers, researchers, and academics from a cross section of communities very closely, and many people do not even listen to the recommendations of the around the world. government and medical officials. The opinion and views expressed in “Voice for Justice” are not those of We, the editors of this publication, strongly urge all readers, well-wishers, the publisher. Advertisers are responsible for their content and “Voice for and concerned parties to spread the message through Voice for Justice. Justice” reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or article considered Together, we can change society! Until we meet you at the next issue, so unfit and inappropriate for publication. long. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Any unauthorized use or reproduction of Yours, any article published in this publication for commercial purposes is strictly Satheesan Kumarasamy prohibited and constitutes copyright infringement liable to legal action. Editor-in-Chief PAGE 4 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021

CANADA REJECTS SRI LANKA’S ... Continues from page 1 However, taking his war-time the Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) calling for the UN to establish the United Nations Human Rights role into consideration, the Canadian during the Tamil genocide. an international independent Commission (UNHRC), and a Government finally declined to investigation into allegations of champion of human rights, should accept him as Sri Lanka’s High The petition addressed to genocide against Tamils committed reject a Genocidaire,” the petition Commissioner in the country. Canada’s Minister of Justice and the in Sri Lanka, including during the goes on to state. Attorney General of Canada, David last phase of the armed conflict in When Dias was selected for the Lametti, has two major requests: 2009,” stated the petition. Sumangala Dias’s appointment post, a strong protest was created has received opposition from among the Tamil community and Tamil Canadian groups and human rights groups. Different parliamentarians, including The forums carried out campaigns online Reject the appointment of Sumangala National Council of Canadian urging the Canadian Government Tamils (NCCT), Gurratan Singh not to appoint him. The campaign Dias, as the High Commissioner of Sri the MPP for Brampton East, and yielded positive results. Lanka to Canada. People for Equality and Relief in Lanka (PEARL). An online petition created by Tamil Canadians called for Canada Thoroughly vet the credentials of all Tamil leaders allege Dias was to “reject the appointment of the appointed as Base Commander Génocidaire, Sumangala Dias, Sri Lankan Government appointees at SLAF Hingurakoda Base, Sri as the High Commissioner of Sri before accepting them. Lanka in 2005, from which many Lanka to Canada.” indiscriminate bombing missions against civilian targets originated. The petition labels credibly Meanwhile, following Canada’s accused war criminal Air Marshal “Canada has taken an active role “Henceforth, as Tamil in seeking accountability and justice Canadians, we strongly believe rejection, Dias will now go to Italy Dias a Génocidaire or “perpetrator as Ambassador. of [the] Tamil genocide,” due to his for the Tamil people, … including Canada, also being a member of various high-ranking roles within passing a unanimous motion, the Core Group on Sri Lanka at

STALIN BECOMES TAMIL NADU’S ... Continues from page 1

A party needs to cross a majority 6. to late DMK leader Annadurai and stir against the farm laws, CAA mark of 118 to emerge as a winner they caused a lot of mental agony to and collected nearly two crore in the 234-member Tamil Nadu The 68-year-old Stalin, him, his family and the party cadres. signatures against it. assembly. With the DMK winning ushered in a victory through his the assembly polls, Tamil Nadu campaign similar to that of the The DMK chief alleged EPS Each and every detail of the Chief Minister Edappadi K. 2019 parliamentary election win. was a fake farmer and said the state DMK’s election campaign was Palaniswami sent his government’s His narrative in his campaign was scheme to rejuvenate water bodies intricately planned in advance resignation to Governor Banwarilal the BJP government trampled the was only for “looting money” by months ahead of the assembly Purohit. He congratulated Stalin for rights of states, was “anti-Tamil” submitting “fake bills.” He made elections. In Coimbatore South, winning the election. Stalin thanked and imposed Hindi and Sanskrit. his entire campaign for the 2021 BJP’s Vanathi Srinivasan overtook Palaniswami for his wishes and also He also said AIADMK has also election a campaign against the Kamal Haasan, veteran actor and requested the latter’s support and become anti-people as it roped in atrocities by AIADMK and BJP, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) guidance for making Tamil Nadu with the BJP. thus focusing on what they did and founder. She won by over 1500 the best state. not on what he will do when he votes. Many see this win as an expression comes to power. The “We reject It is to be noted that DMK of hatred against Modi and not that AIADMK” campaign was on a Unfortunately, M.K. Stalin and sat in the opposition seat for 10 people want Stalin as the chief mission to win 200 assembly seats his team may not have a lot of time to years. Also, this is the time where minister for the state. The leader in the polls. celebrate as he has a beast to tackle. both DMK and AIADMK fought also played his “we miss Kalaigner” The second wave of COVID-19 has without their supreme leaders, M. card in the election campaigns, Things started to come in his put the state in distress. Immediate Karunanidhi and J. Jayalalithaa. rallies and TV interviews to evoke favour when he started to spearhead short lockdowns and vaccination Unlike West Bengal, the state went emotions among the citizens. He the protest against hydrocarbon might curb the spread. The DMK for a single-phase polling on April said AIADMK did not allocate exploration projects in Cauvery has to jump on and act swiftly to space to bury his father’s body next Delta districts, held a state-wide save lives.

US SAYS ARMENIAN KILLINGS ... Continues from page 1

Mr. Biden became the first US what happened is never repeated.” previous presidents. Armenians in the Ottoman Empire president to use the word genocide constituted genocide, a move he in a statement on the anniversary, a The statement is a massive Australia is yet to recognise says is upsetting and diminished day after informing Turkish leader victory for Armenia and its the genocide. Hundreds rallied in bilateral ties. Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the extensive diaspora. Sydney and Melbourne on April 24 to call for Prime Minister Scott The Azerbaijani foreign ministry decision and seeking to limit the Explaining Mr. Biden’s thinking, furore from the NATO ally. Morrison to formally recognise the said Mr. Biden’s statement “distorted an administration official pointed to massacre of Armenians at the hands the historical facts about the events “We remember the lives of all the Democratic president’s vows to of the Ottoman Empire more than a of 1915” and echoed Turkey’s call those who died in the Ottoman-era put a new priority on human rights century ago. for the killings to be “studied by Armenian genocide and recommit and highlighted his outspokenness historians, not politicians.” ourselves to preventing such an on systemic racism in the United Mr. Erdogan said in a statement atrocity from ever again occurring,” States. Starting with Uruguay in to the Armenian patriarch in Azerbaijan defeated Armenia Mr. Biden said in a statement on 1965, nations including France, Istanbul debates “should be held last year in a war over the disputed April 24. Germany, Canada and Russia have by historians” and not “politicised Nagorno-Karabakh region, in which recognised the genocide, but a US by third parties.” He called upon Ankara backed its ally Baku, which “We affirm the history. We do this statement has been a paramount Biden to immediately reverse his left Armenia traumatised. not to cast blame but to ensure that goal that proved elusive under declaration that 1915 massacres of voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 5

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PANDEMIC INCREASES HEALTHCARE INEQUITY FOR INDIGENOUS WOMEN A new report into the barriers which partnered with the British facing Indigenous women in Columbia Women’s Health Canada trying to access healthcare Foundation to produce the report. during the pandemic found serious issues including racism and lack of “Any inequities that were present access to mental health services. were just made larger because of the HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOM OCCUR The report titled In Her Circle also pandemic,” she said. “A contributor suggested ways to provide better to inequity is the fact that we have IN OKANAGAN VALLEY LAKE health care services. pretty pronounced racism within A potentially harmful algae “I’ve never seen it this bad, it’s like the system of healthcare.” bloom in Wood Lake near Kelowna, p e a s oup.” About 43 Indigenous women British Columbia has prompted and two-spirit individuals spoke The report found some patients Wood Lake, which is situated felt unfairly singled out for possibly health authorities to warn people to about their experiences through stay out of the water. Interior Health between Kelowna and Vernon, is telephone and online interviews in having a COVID-19 infection a popular destination for fishing, because they are Indigenous. said while most algae blooms are November 2020. harmless, some have the potential to swimming, canoeing, and camping. According to the report, some Algae blooms, which can vary Researchers found many women described interactions that produce toxins that can be harmful to humans. in colour from blue, green, and Indigenous women said changes to “modelled cultural ignorance and brown to yellow, orange, and red, services because of the COVID-19 racist sentiment, particularly in The health authority advised occur naturally throughout British pandemic led to “limited access emergency rooms.” residents and visitors to avoid all Columbia. However, man-made to mental healthcare, medical contact with the bloom, avoid sources like agriculture runoff or services, and other health-related Van der Ward says there are opportunities to make positive swimming in the lake, and make poorly functioning septic systems programming, including face-to- sure pets and livestock don’t use can make blooms more likely to face appointments.” changes including an outreach plan to help individuals get the lake as a source of drinking develop. The new report comes after access to technology for medical water. Interior Health says there are no toxicity tests being conducted They appear like foam or scum former judge Mary Ellen Turpel- appointments, particularly in areas on the surface of the water and Lafond released her findings into without adequate internet service, on the bloom, which cannot be remediated. can last days or even months. anti-Indigenous racism in the and hiring Indigenous patient Consuming or coming into contact healthcare system in February. liaison workers who can serve as “Best practice is to not come into with contaminated water can cause Turpel-Lafond found a high portion patient advocates to help foster trust contact with a visible bloom and a range of symptoms that include of Indigenous people in the province in the medical system. keep your pets out,” Interior Health headaches, nausea, fever, sore lack access to family doctors and said in a statement. throat, dizziness, stomach cramps, other primary care services, and The report studied the experiences of Indigenous women diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, instead end up in emergency rooms In a community Facebook group, muscle aches, mouth ulcers, dealing with health crises. and two-spirit individuals from all some residents commented while five health care regions in British blistering of the lips, skin rashes and an algae bloom is not uncommon irritation of the ears and eyes. Kim van der Woerd is the co- Columbia. in Wood Lake, they had not seen it founder of Reciprocal Consulting occur this early in the year. People who have come in contact with an algae bloom and are “Our dog went in white and came displaying any these symptoms are SOME PRESCRIPTION DRUGS INCREASE RISK OF out green,” wrote Truman Van Nes. advised to see a healthcare provider. CAR CRASHES, SAY RESEARCHERS TRUDEAU PLEDGES TO SLASH GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY 2030 Researchers at the University of 25-30 percent increased risk, and British Columbia recently found high-potency opioids (including On April 22 Prime Minister Justin battling COVID-19. We rely on that prescription anti-psychotics, hydromorphone, codeine, and Trudeau pledged Canada would science to save lives and develop benzodiazepines and high-potency morphine), which increased the aggressively curb greenhouse gas vaccines, but we must also listen to opioids are associated with the risk of collisions by 24 percent. emissions over the next decade. He climate science, which tells us we’re highest increase in risk for road made this pledge at an international facing an existential threat,” Trudeau accidents. The group’s findings are Brubacher said while those climate summit convened by U.S. said. included in a study published last findings are noteworthy, theyPresident Joe Biden. month in the Lancet Public Health should be kept in perspective. A recent report from Environment journal. He said consuming alcohol while Trudeau said Canada will reduce and Climate Change Canada driving—even at the legal limit —is emissions by 40 to 45 percent below concluded Canada’s emissions are Jeff Brubacher, an author of the much riskier. 2005 levels by 2030—which would headed in the wrong direction. paper, associate professor in the cut total emissions much more than Canada produced 730 megatonnes department of emergency medicine Brubacher said there were the target first pitched by the former of carbon dioxide emissions in 2019, at UBC and emergency room takeaways from this work for Conservative government and an increase of one megatonne—or physician at Vancouver General prescribers, including reducing agreed to by former environmental 0.2 percent—over 2018. Hospital, hopes the study’s results prescriptions of some of the higher minister Catherine McKenna at the help people manage their risk when risk drugs generally makes driving Paris climate talks in 2015. The government department using the medications. safer. He said if counselling or found emissions are down just 1.1 other treatment could work, that’s Canada has long maintained it percent compared to that 2005 Brubacher said his team worth considering before turning to would slash emissions by 30 percent baseline of 732 megatonnes, but the combined 20 years’ worth of police medications. by 2030. In real terms, that would report suggests Canada is making collision reports with prescription mean lowering GHG emissions from progress. At the same meeting, the records, all without names attached, For people using these 732 megatonnes to 513 megatonnes. Biden administration vowed to cut to determine which of 70 classes of medications, Brubacher just U.S. emissions by 50 to 52 percent medication were associated with suggests being aware of the Speaking at the summit, Trudeau below 2005 levels by 2030—doubling the greatest risk of collision. About increased risk, noting tolerance to also said Canada is “now on track to former President Barack Obama’s five million drivers and 700,000 drugs doesn’t appear to reduce it. blow past our old target.” Trudeau pledge for the same time period. collisions were included in the data. He said combining any of the higher said countries around the world risk medications with alcohol is a must heed the advice of climate The U.S. emissions cuts are The class of drugs with the highest bad idea. He said the amount of risk scientists and do more to prevent expected to come from power risk is sedative anti-psychotics, with the research shows isn’t grounds for catastrophic increases in global plants, automobiles, and other a 35 percent increased risk. That banning driving while on certain temperatures. sectors across the economy, but the was followed by benzodiazepines prescriptions. White House did not set individual (like Valium and Ativan) with “Our priority continues to be targets for those industries. voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 7

FAMILY CALLS FOR ARRESTS AFTER MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER IN COAL BLACK BOY IN RACIST ATTACK HARBOUR SHOOTING A 51-year-old man was charged last month with first- On April 22 a young boy’s family “I feel bad,” Julienne told degree murder in connection to a homicide in Vancouver’s demanded more action from police reporters at the schoolyard on April Coal Harbour. The British Columbia Prosecution Service and school officials following a 24. “Why I came out is because I approved the charge against Francois Joseph Gauthier, violent “racist” attack. need justice.” according to Vancouver police. Gauthier also faces one count of possessing a loaded, prohibited, or restricted “They were saying the N-word, They are upset with the Edmonton firearm without being the holder of authorization or a they were calling me monkey,” said Police Service’s initial response licence under which he may possess the firearm. On April the 14-year-old student of the attack to the incident, after an officer 17, police responded to calls of shots fired outside Cardero’s outside Rosslyn School last month asked the teen if he instigated the Restaurant around 8:30 p.m. Harpreet Singh Dhaliwal, in north Edmonton, Alberta.,. fight, Pazo said. A statement from 31, was pronounced dead on the scene. Gauthier remains “That made me afraid to wear my spokesperson Carolin Maran said in custody until his next court appearance. own skin.” Edmonton police are investigating the assault. The Grade 8 student, who is FEDERAL BUDGET FELL SHORT ON identified by the name Pazo, said She said Pazo and a family he was leaving school to catch a member went to EPS Northeast INFRASTRUCTURE bus on April 16 when a group of Division station on April 23 and about seven students chased him were told to first go to the nearest National Indigenous leaders said in Indigenous communities up to and tackled him to the ground. In a medical centre to treat his injuries last month the federal budget doesn’t the same level as the rest of Canada. video of the attack circulated online, before calling police to have an do enough to fulfil the government’s Indigenous leaders say they doubt the teenager is swarmed by other officer dispatched. 2030 promise to close infrastructure the government’s 2030 target is boys who punched and kicked him. They called the complaint line gaps in their communities. The attainable without more funding A person in a white hoodie then on April 19, Maran said, and an budget proposes to spend more to address the decades of neglect put the boy in a chokehold, dragged officer was dispatched to begin than $18 billion over the next five that have created a wide chasm in him before slamming him to the the investigation, which remains years to improve quality of life living standards between many ground. Someone could be heard ongoing. Robertson said in a for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous communities and the calling the student the N-word statement school officials had met people. It promises $6 billion to fix rest of Canada. Canada ranked 12th during the attack. with Pazo’s family and provided the everything from homes to roads, but internationally in the 2016 United names of the students identified in national Indigenous leaders say it’s National Human Development It is unclear who filmed the the video to police investigators. still not enough to address essential Index, but the on-reserve population incident. Pazo’s mother, Julienne, All public school students who needs. “That falls a bit short,” said ranked 78th. Some estimates suggest said her son suffered a concussion were involved in the assault have Assembly of First Nations National up to $30 billion is needed to deal from the attack and was treated been recommended for expulsion, Chief Perry Bellegarde. “Thewith the infrastructure gap in First in the hospital. The family is now Robertson said in the statement. dollars that have been identified Nations alone. Indigenous Services calling for the students involved to are moving in the right direction, Minister Marc Miller said he knows face criminal charges. but infrastructure is a huge, huge the budget’s dollar figures are not need on reserves, from housing enough, but the promised funding SINIXT INDIGENOUS NATION NOT EXTINCT to adequate water and sewage is meant as short-term stimulus to systems to infrastructure, from get “shovel-ready projects” going SUPREME COURT RULES community buildings to roads and over the next three to five years. bridges.” Bellegarde said the federal Miller said the federal government Last month Canada’s highest “Accordingly, the Lakes Tribe is government needs to commit to is still trying to work out how much court upended the federal an Aboriginal people of Canada,” sustained funding over the next five money it needs to reach its 2030 government’s 65-year-old claim the decision said. to 15 years to bring infrastructure goal. that an Indigenous nation from British Columbia’s Interior no The case began in 2010 when longer exists. In a 7-2 decision given Sinixt leaders sent one of their on April 23, the Supreme Court members, Richard Desautel, to shoot 3 VANCOUVER NPA COUNCILLORS QUIT PARTY of Canada said the Sinixt Nation, and kill an elk in their traditional territory of the Arrow Lakes region Three Vancouver councilors--Lisa Dominato, Colleen whose reservation is in Washington Hardwick and Sarah Kirby-Yung--are leaving the Non-Partisan state, has constitutionally protected in southeastern British Columbia to reclaim their identity in Canada. Association, accusing it of keeping them in the dark about the Indigenous rights to hunt in their board’s “secret backroom decision” to select a mayoral candidate ancestral territory north of the Desautel is a member of the Lakes for the upcoming 2022 civic election. The NPA’s board picked border. Tribe of the Colville Confederated long-time park board commissioner John Coupar as its The ruling means if Indigenous Tribes based in Washington state, mayoral candidate, drawing criticism from the three departing groups outside of modern-day a successor group of the Sinixt councillors. Dominato, Hardwick and Kirby-Yung, who will sit as Canada can prove they descended people. He argued his right to hunt independents, issued a news release outlining the reasons behind their departures. Councillor Melissa De Genova is now the sole from a pre-contact society in what is for ceremonial purposes in the traditional territory of the Sinixt is remaining NPA member on council. “By any measure, it was now Canada, they can claim Section about as old-boys-club as it gets,” said Hardwick. By appointing 35(1) rights under the Constitution, protected by Canada’s Constitution. The Crown maintained Desautel Coupar in early April, she said the party operated without a clear which recognizes and affirms the democratic process. “We have heard loud and clear from NPA rights of Indigenous Peoples. didn’t have rights protected by the Constitution because he wasn’t part members and supporters that the actions of the board and John “Persons who are not Canadian of any recognized Indigenous group Coupar do not reflect the standards of transparency, integrity and citizens and who do not reside in in Canada. accountability we all expect from the NPA and each other,” said Canada can exercise an Aboriginal Hardwick. The councillors issued an open letter that describes the party as untrustworthy to govern fairly and lists a series of events in right,” the decision said. Desautel won at every level of the British Columbia court system, a timeline going back to November 2019 when the current board The high court said the Sinixt, laying the groundwork for the Sinixt took over the NPA. In December 2019, Councillor Rebecca Bligh part of the Salish people who to be formally recognized again on announced her resignation from the NPA because of the anti- primarily occupied territory in the April 23 as an Indigenous people by SOGI ties of some of the elected members of the party’s board. British Columbia Interior and form the Supreme Court of Canada. SOGI is a provincial policy around sexual orientation and gender the Lakes Tribe in northwestern identity that promotes LGBTQ inclusivity in schools. Dominato, United States, did not “lose” their In 1956, the last living member Hardwick and Kirby-Yung also say the party did not heed calls for identity by moving within their of the Arrows Lakes Band died, and an annual general meeting. Dominato said the group will continue the federal government declared their work on council rather than focus on party infighting. The traditional territory south of the municipal election for Vancouver is set for fall of 2022. Canada-U.S. border. the Sinixt “extinct” and without the rights of a First Nation in Canada. PAGE 8 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021

SANDY AZEVEDO B.C.’S SIKH COMMUNITY Paralegal DENOUNCES COURT’S RULING ON RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS BAN A Quebec Superior Court judge’s decision last month to uphold that province’s ban on Employment Law religious symbols in the public service has Landlord & Tenant a member of Kelowna’s Sikh community concerned, who says it could help erode hard GET Summary Criminal won minority rights in other parts of the Breach of Contract country. Enacted in 2019, Bill 21 enforces HELP Human Rrights Tribunal Quebec secularism prohibiting public Small Claims / Litigation servants from wearing religious symbols at TODAY! work such as the hijab, turban, or skullcap. CPP (CanadaDisability Pension) Appeals and On April 20, Justice Marc-André Blanchard ruled Bill 21 violates the basic rights of Provincial Offences / Tickets religious minorities in the province, but the violations are permitted under the Canadian ActionPros Legal Constitution’s notwithstanding clause. The Tel: 416-720-9266 notwithstanding clause allows provincial or federal authorities to override or essentially COVERING THE ignore sections of the charter they do not WHOLE GTA like for a five-year period, although it can be re-enacted indefinitely. It was created as a [email protected] power-sharing compromise between federal www.actionproslegal.ca and provincial officials during the debate over a new constitution in the 1980s. Harpreet Singh, who lives in Kelowna and is a member MYANMAR HEADING ... of the World Sikh Organization, which was Continues from page 1 involved in the legal action as an intervenor, says he worries other jurisdictions could Military leaders’ initially The junta chief did not submit restrained response to the first to calls for the release of political invoke the Quebec precedent to introduce waves of protests, civil disobedience prisoners, including the leader of laws that erode minority rights. “This bill and general strikes has grown the ousted civilian government, Suu represents an extreme ideology … [and] it more forceful over time, escalating Kyi, and the ASEAN accord lacked into a brutal effort to put down any timeline for ending the crisis. hurts minorities,” Singh said on April 22 to the movement that has so far left Chris Walker, the host of CBC’s Daybreak thousands injured and more than Activists criticized the agreement South. “This [the Quebec Superior Court’s 700 dead. Many of those killed have that came out of the ASEAN been young protesters, their lives meeting, a so-called five-point decision] is a national crisis.” Several Canadian ended with a single gunshot to the consensus that included an end cities, including Victoria, Kelowna, Calgary, head. to violence, starting a dialogue among all parties, accepting aid, and Edmonton, voted to denounce Bill 21 in The coup returned the country and appointing a special ASEAN 2019. Montreal teacher Amrit Kaur says she to full military rule after a short envoy who would be allowed to span of quasi-democracy that visit Myanmar. The agreement did moved to Surrey, British Columbia that same began in 2011 when the military, not mention political prisoners year, so she could continue to wear a turban which had been in power since although the statement said the while working as a teacher. “It’s a serious 1962, implemented parliamentary meeting heard calls for their release. elections and other reforms. In the issue,” Singh says, adding his organization is weeks since the coup, Aung San Suu The Assistance Association also reviewing the ruling to see if it can be Kyi, the country’s ousted civilian for Political Prisoners, a challenged. leader, has faced charges in a secret nongovernmental monitoring court. organization, estimates more than 700 people have been killed since Since the beginning the coup has the coup. The group also says 3,431 sparked daily mass demonstrations people are in detention for opposing bloody civil war in Syria. Suu Kyi has been detained since across Myanmar demanding the the coup. the coup and is facing six criminal return of Suu Kyi and her elected “States with influence need to charges that could put her in prison The violence prompted U.N. government to power. Scattered urgently apply concerted pressure for 14 years if convicted. The human rights commissioner protests took place in Myanmar’s on the military in Myanmar to halt military cited widespread fraud in Michelle Bachelet to issue a big cities on April 25, a day after the commission of grave human last November’s general election as statement on April 12 warning Senior General Min Aung Hlaing rights violations and possible its reasons for overthrowing Suu that the situation in Myanmar is reached an agreement at a summit crimes against humanity against the Kyi’s government. of the Association of Southeast “heading towards a full-blown people,” Bachelet said. Asian Nations in Indonesia. conflict” similar to the current voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 9 ALBERTA TO CHARGE $90 ANNUAL B.C. INJUNCTION OVER ALBERTA’S ACCESS FEE FOR KANANASKIS COUNTRY TURN-OFF-THE-TAPS LAW TOSSED Last month the Federal Court The court says without The Alberta government is set to Nixon said the Kananaskis of Appeal set aside an injunction regulations and a licensing scheme introduce access fees for visitors to Conservation Pass will allow the granted to British Columbia in its from Alberta, the court should not Kananaskis Country. Starting June government to invest $11.5 million constitutional fight over Alberta’s so- assess the constitutional validity 1 visitors will have to pay $15 per in K-Country. That will include trail called turn-off-the-taps legislation, of the law on the basis it allows day to access the area or will have maintenance, search and rescue saying the dispute is more theoretical discrimination in the supply of fuels the option of purchasing an annual operations, visitor services and the than real. to British Columbia. vehicle pass for $90, which would upkeep of facilities at day-use areas cover up to two licence plates. and campgrounds. A lower court suspended Alberta’s “Until Alberta imposes Preserving Canada’s Economic restrictions on exports through At a news conference on April 27, Included in the new investments Prosperity Act in 2019 and granted action taken pursuant to the act, a Minister of Environment and Parks will be $1 million to begin planning British Columbia a temporary (constitutional) dispute has yet to Jason Nixon said the annual fee has work on upgrades to the Canmore injunction blocking the law until the arise and may not arise at all. Put become necessary because visits Nordic Centre, the province said. courts could decide if it was valid. otherwise, the dispute as it currently to K-Country have surged, putting The new pass is expected to generate stands remains more theoretical environmental strain on the park. about $15 million per year. Alberta brought in the law to give than real,” the decision says. He said money raised by the fee will it control over the export of its crude be reinvested in the park. “All funds will be directed at the height of a dispute between The three judges relied on toward conservation and service the two provinces over construction different reasons to reach the same Kananaskis Country, located improvements in Kananaskis of the Trans Mountain pipeline. conclusion in the decision. Alberta less than 50 kilometres west of through a dedicated revenue Alberta appealed the ruling, which Energy Minister Sonya Savage said Calgary in the foothills and front initiative,” the province said in the a three-judge panel set aside in a in a statement the government is ranges of the Rockies, covers 4,211 release. decision released on April 27 that pleased with the court’s decision. square kilometres of wilderness also ordered British Columbia to First Nations members with parks. K-Country saw a huge surge pay Alberta’s court costs. “We remain committed to in visits last summer as Albertans recognized federal status will standing up for Alberta, including ventured out to the mountains more be exempt. People only driving British Columbia had argued in protecting the value of our natural frequently because of the COVID-19 through Kananaskis will not have to the Federal Court the law would resources.” pandemic. pay the fee. cause the province irreparable harm, but the higher court says granting The Trans Mountain expansion The Opposition NDP criticized Alberta Parks reported a British Columbia the injunction is will triple the amount of oil flowing the new fee as another example of corresponding increase in garbage “premature” because Alberta hasn’t from the Edmonton area to British the UCP government making life and traffic congestion, and concerns yet used the legislation. Columbia’s lower mainland and that wildlife was negatively affected more expensive for Alberta families. from there to markets overseas. by visitors unfamiliar with best The Alberta Wilderness Association practices, such as keeping to the also criticized the new fee. trails and ensuring dogs are on leashes. CANADIANS HIRE TAXIS TO RETURN FROM US, AVOID HOTEL QUARANTINE

CANADA CANCELS EXPORT PERMITS Canadians in the United States restrictions have been periodically are hiring taxis to cross the border renewed since then. FOR DRONE TECHNOLOGY into Canada and avoid mandatory COVID-19 hotel quarantine for In the third week of last month air travellers, leading to a boom in the premiers of the provinces of transportation services in American Ontario and Quebec urged Prime border cities. All travellers coming Minister Justin Trudeau to tighten to Canada must present a negative the rules at the land border into COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours Canada. According to Public Health before arrival, take another test Agency of Canada data for February when they enter the country and 22 through March 25, 1.5 percent of spend 14 days in quarantine. air passengers tested positive for the virus on arrival compared with 0.3 People flying into Canada must percent of land travellers. also pay for a mandatory three-night Last month Canada cancelled drone imaging and targeting stay at a government-authorised Canada is currently grappling export permits to Turkey for sensor systems manufactured by a hotel at the start of their quarantine with a surging third wave of the drone technology, the foreign Canadian company. period, which is estimated at more pandemic, fuelled in part by new affairs department announced, than $961 ($1,200 Canadian). variants of the virus, and record after a government review found “This use was not consistent with In comparison, a taxi trip to the infections and hospitalisations Canadian-made systems had been Canadian foreign policy, nor end- border can cost around $200-$250, continue to rock Ontario, the most used by Azerbaijan in the conflict in use assurances given by Turkey,” Canadian travel insurance broker populous province. Nagorno-Karabakh. Garneau said in the statement. Martin Firestone said. More than 23,900 people have Foreign Affairs Minister Marc He also said he spoke with This has led to a surge in calls for died due to the coronavirus in Garneau said in a statement on his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut taxi and limousine services from Canada to date, according to data April 12 the review “found credible Cavusoglu, to open a dialogue “to Canadians in the US who fly through from Johns Hopkins University, evidence” Canadian technology build mutual confidence and greater US airports in states like New York while over 1.18 million cases have was used in the disputed territory cooperation on export permits.” and then cross over the 6,416km been recorded. during six weeks of fighting between “Turkey is an important NATO (3,987-mile) land border, rather Azerbaijan and Armenia late last On April 23 Prime Minister ally, and applications related to than flying into Canada directly. year. NATO cooperation programmes Justin Trudeau said the situation Canada enacted strict coronavirus was “critical” and echoed public In early October Canada will be assessed on a case-by-case measures at its southern border with health experts in urging Canadians suspended the export permits basis,” Garneau added. the US in March last year, barring to reduce their contacts. to Turkey after reports surfaced Earlier, Turkey said Cavusoglu entry to most non-citizens and the Azerbaijani military, which had urged Canada to review the non-permanent residents. Those was backed by Ankara, was using defence industry restrictions. PAGE 10 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021

INDIA COVID DEATH TOLL TOPS 200,000 AS ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES RUN OUT India’s death toll from COVID-19 ambulances, patients and their has crossed the grim milestone of families desperate for oxygen 200,000 as the country continues flocked to a tent outside a Sikh place to face shortages of hospital beds, of worship on the outskirts of the medical oxygen and other essential capital this week. supplies. Priyanka Mandal, 30, had been A calamitous second wave of the searching for oxygen for her mother BRITISH MP CALLS FOR SANCTIONS ON coronavirus has seen at least 300,000 since she became sick a week ago. people test positive each day for “Medicines are also not available SRI LANKAN WAR CRIMINALS the past seven days, overwhelming … I’ve visited five, six big medical Last month British parliamentarian Elliot Colburn called health facilities and crematoriums stores,” she told AFP. for sanctions on Sri Lankan war criminals. Speaking in and prompting an increasingly Parliament on April 20, Elliot Colburn, MP for Carshalton urgent response from allies overseas “No matter how much time it sending equipment. takes, I have to wait here … I only and Wallington, and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary have my mum.” India ranks second Group for Tamils (APPGT), welcomed the work of the British The health ministry recorded behind the United States’ 32.1 Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) 360,960 new cases in the previous million cases, while its death toll is in bringing about the recent UN Human Rights Council 24 hours, for the world’s largest fourth behind the US, Brazil and resolution but questioned what further action was being single-day total, taking India’s tally Mexico, which have all crossed the of infections to nearly 18 million. 200,000 mark. taken. He asked what steps the UK is taking “to implement It was also the deadliest day so far, the UN high commissioner’s recommendations on applying with 3,293 fatalities carrying the toll But, with about 300,000 cases sanctions, travel embargos, and filing cases against alleged to 201,187. and 3,000 deaths recorded a day, war crimes under universal jurisdiction.” Responding to the India is likely to cross more bleak Ten states in the world’s second- milestones in the future. question, Wendy Morton, parliamentary under-secretary of most populous country account state for the FCDO, reemphasized the government’s “serious for 74 percent of cases, including According to the World Health concerns” for human rights in Sri Lanka and noted the UK-led the worst-hit areas of Maharashtra Organization (WHO), India resolution, “enhances the UN’s role in monitoring the situation and New Delhi which are under accounted for 38 percent of the 5.7 and collecting evidence of human rights violations that can be lockdown, Infections have million cases reported globally last week. Countries around the world used in future accountability processes.” However, she further overburdened healthcare systems added on sanctions, “it would not be appropriate to speculate and funeral sites. have promised to deliver rapid aid to stem the crisis. Russia said it on any further designation.” Her statement comes as there are In the capital New Delhi, car would send 75 ventilators, 20 plants increasing calls to follow the US’s lead in placing sanctions parks have been converted to for generating oxygen and 200,000 on alleged Sri Lankan war criminals such as , crematoriums and the soaring body packs of medicine. who has been credibly accused of permitting mass atrocities count has sparked a shortage of such as the shelling of hospitals, summary executions, and wood for funeral pyres. However, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the country was widespread sexual violence. He is currently under a US travel Desperate relatives of the sick currently not in a position to give ban due to these allegations. Thus far the UK has yet to place are crowding outside hospitals and India any vaccines. “We don’t have a single sanction on any Sri Lankan military or government pharmacies in search of treatment any excess doses of vaccine in the official implicated in human rights abuses. and medicines, often in vain. UK at the moment,” he said at a Arriving in cars, rickshaws and news conference.

BHUTAN PERMITS RESUMPTION OF CONSTRUCTION WORK FORMER AUSTRALIAN PM CALLS FOR RELEASE OF A PRIVATE OXYGEN PLANT AFTER INDIA’S REQUEST OF TAMIL ASYLUM SEEKING FAMILY Assam health minister Himanta matter with India’s ambassador Last month former Australian is a difference “between scratching Biswa Sarma said that Bhutan King Ruchira Kamboj, who took it up prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, your ear and ripping it off. You need Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck with Bhutan and today the King has urged the new Home Affairs to have a bit of subtlety, compassion, has issued a royal decree on request issued a royal decree that even in the Minister, Karen Andrews, to release and some humanity,” he said. from India to permit resumption event of a lockdown in the country a Tamil asylum-seeking family of construction work of a private the construction work of the oxygen from immigration detention on “That family should be back in oxygen plant, which was hit by plant will not be stalled,” Sarma said. Christmas Island. He made this call Queensland, and I hope the minister national lockdown in the country takes the opportunity of the change last year. He said that it will take at least 45 during a Q&A session on ABC on days for the plant to be commissioned. April 22. of minister … to use her discretion and bring them back to Queensland The plant with daily oxygen “Once it starts generating the oxygen Turnbull was the prime minister to the community that wants them.” generating capacity of 50 MT is being can be bought by India.” when Priya and Nades Murugappan, set up jointly by two entrepreneurs Despite credible concerns over of Bhutan and Guwahati at Bhutan’s Sarma said that Assam has who moved to Australia with adequate stock of medical oxygen separate asylum claims in 2012 torture and extra-judicial killings in Samdrup Jongkhar district bordering Sri Lanka, the former Home Affairs Baksa district of Assam. Bhutan and the state is ramping its oxygen and 2013, were first detained generating capacity by reviving old alongside their daughters Kopica department repeatedly maintained shares a 267 km border with Assam the family does not meet the criteria on its north and Samdrup Jongkhar, plants and roping in smaller private and Tharnicca after their four-year plants. bridging visa expired in March 2018. for protected status. which is one of the border entry points to Bhutan in the eastern sector, “We have also made concerted During his television appearance, Priya reported seeing her former is about 100 km from Guwahati. husband burnt alive and being efforts to boost oxygen generation he said it was the “right thing” and storage capacity in Assam, for Karen Andrews to use her the victims of rape during the Sri “The construction of this plant Lankan armed struggle, whilst was halted last year when Bhutan making it an oxygen surplus state,” ministerial discretion to release the he said and added that in the next Tamil family to their home in Biloela. Nades, who had connections to the declared national lockdown because LTTE, fears his life will be at risk if of Covid. India’s external affairs couple of days Assam would have at Whilst agreeing with the state’s strict least 40MT surplus oxygen daily. border policy, he mentioned there he is deported back to Sri Lanka. minister S Jaishanker took up the voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 11

ICJ CALLS ON SRI LANKA TO REJECT READY FOR TALKS WITH INDIA IF KASHMIR ‘IMPUNITY RESOLUTION’ ACTIONS ‘REVISITED’: PAKISTAN FM The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) said last month Pakistan says it is ready to engage referring to India’s 2019 move to revoke the parliamentary resolution tabled by Prime Minister Mahinda in a dialogue with India if its eastern Indian-administered Kashmir’s special Rajapaksa would aggravate Sri Lanka’s culture of impunity and neighbour “is willing to revisit” its constitutional status and launch a undermine the rule of law. Ian Seiderman, ICJ’s Legal and Policy recent actions in the disputed territory widespread crackdown in the territory. Director called upon Sri Lanka to reject a proposed resolution of Kashmir, Pakistan’s foreign minister said. India’s foreign ministry has not and said the government is trying to stop trials against military commented on the Pakistani foreign and high-ranking government officials accused of war crimes Speaking to Anadolu news agency in minister’s comments. Ties between an interview, Shah Mehmood Qureshi the nuclear-armed neighbours have and corruption. “Parliament should categorically reject this welcomed a recent thawing of relations been virtually frozen since February ‘impunity resolution’ that interferes with the ongoing work of between the two countries. 2019, when an attack by an armed the judiciary and the attorney general’s office in their efforts group on Indian security forces in “If India is willing to revisit some of Indian-administered Kashmir sparked to provide for at least a modicum of accountability for serious the decisions that they took on August violations,” Ian Seiderman said. The resolution, which requires a military standoff with Pakistan that 5, 2019, Pakistan will be more than saw both countries bomb each other’s parliamentary approval, follows the publication of Sri Lanka’s so- happy to engage, sit and talk out our territory. called Commission of Inquiry on Political Victimization (COI) differences through a dialogue resolve which was presented to Sri Lanka’s President last December. the outstanding issues,” said Qureshi, The ICJ noted that the COI has been widely discredited as “an affront to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law,” with its report being unavailable to the public. The AUSTRALIA SLAMMED FOR DONATING report calls for a withdrawal of investigations and to overturn convictions of those engaged in serious human rights violations SURVEILLANCE WEAPONS TO SRI LANKA as well as those accused of corruption who have close ties to The Tamil Refugee Council strongly criticized the the Rajapaksa family. The ICJ said the recommendations by Australian Government for supplying Sri Lankan police the COI go even further and recommend the prosecution of with five aerial drones, overlooking “new warnings that investigators, lawyers, and prosecutors in those cases under the the political situation in Sri Lanka is deteriorating.” In a penal code and the Bribery Act for “fabrication” of evidence statement released on April 18, the TRC highlighted the and corruption. “Recommending that action be taken against Australian Border Forces claims the gifted drones will lawyers and prosecutors for carrying out their professional and be utilised for “crime-fighting” purposes and stressed statutory duties is an all-out assault on a free and independent bar, and this recommendation must be summarily rejected,” concerns this move “will likely be used to help prevent Seiderman said. The UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers Tamils from fleeing Sri Lanka and political activists.” The obliges the state to ensure lawyers “are able to perform all of Australian Government has supplied five aerial drones their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, to the Sri Lankan police, despite international scrutiny harassment or improper interference,” and they “shall not suffer, at the United Nations Human Rights Council for its or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economic domestic “assault on justice.” The statement also noted or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with the worrying escalation of harassment of civil society recognized professional duties, standards and ethics,” the ICJ groups and remerged scrutiny of “assault of justice” in added. Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council. In 2013, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott gifted MUSLIM LEADER ARRESTED OVER EASTER SUNDAY ATTACKS two patrol boats to Sri Lanka to stop Tamil asylum seekers fleeing the country. While the Australian The Sri Lankan police arrested Ranjith, who led commemorations a Muslim leader and member of on the second anniversary of the Government is increasing the Sri Lankan police’s Parliament last month in connection Easter attacks on April 21, said he surveillance capacities, the Sri Lankan Government with the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks was “deeply saddened” by the lack of faces renewed scrutiny at the United Nations Human that killed 279 people as pressure to progress in the investigation. Rights Council for its domestic “assault on justice,” the speed up the investigation mounted. Although none of the 200 in UN noting patterns of increased harassment of civil Detectives took , custody has been indicted, 16 society groups. A recent Human Rights Watch report leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Party, Muslim men among them were also says under the government of , into custody on April 24 under the charged on April 20 in connection the media is self-censoring, and security forces are Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), with desecrating Buddhist statues in police spokesman Ajith Rohana said. December 2018. carrying out “intense surveillance and harassment” of He added Bathiudeen and his brother Tamil families who have been campaigning and know Riyaaj were arrested in predawn raids MPs from Bathiudeen’s party had the truth about what happened to thousands of people on their homes in . provided crucial support to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in October to missing since 2009. In the opening months of that year, “They were arrested under the PTA amend the Constitution and give him the Sri Lankan military killed tens of thousands in the based on circumstantial and scientific wider powers over the judiciary and final stages of the Tamil National Liberation War. There evidence that they had connections the legislature. has been no progress in investigations into war crimes with the suicide bombers who carried and crimes against humanity under Rajapaksa, who, as out the attacks,” Rohana said in a Gajan Ponnambalam, leader of statement. the Tamil National People’s Front secretary of defence, oversaw the military’s offensives (TNPF), strongly condemned the in 2009. Since becoming president two years ago, The arrests came three days arrest of Rishad Bathiudeen. Rajapaksa has rejected all efforts aimed at government after the head of Sri Lanka’s Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Malcolm, “The time and manner in which accountability and justice for the Tamil genocide, the accused the government of allowing the arrest took place have all the TRC said. They are urging the Australian Government to investigations to stall. Nearly 200 hallmarks of political motivation stop providing Sri Lanka with equipment and weapons in a country where police act as an people were arrested within days that may “aid its ongoing oppression and persecution of the suicide attacks on hotels and extension of the party in power,” churches, but no one has yet been stated Ponnambalam on Twitter on of Tamils.” charged. April 25. PAGE 12 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 US BEGINS TROOP PULL-OUT; ASKS THANTHAI CHELVA REMEMBERED IN THE EMBASSY STUFF TO LEAVE KABUL NORTHEAST

Citing increasing threats, the General Kenneth McKenzie, Last month Tamils across the intimidation and harassment of United States has ordered its non- head of the US Central Command, northeast to Sri Lanka remembered Tamils. essential staff to leave its Kabul said the administration remains S.J.V Chelvanayakam, also fondly embassy as Washington prepares to committed to keeping a functioning referred to as “Thanthai Chelva” However, despite the threat of end its 20-year war in Afghanistan. embassy in Kabul. and the father of Tamil nationalism, arrest, other ITAK members and The order came two weeks after (TNA) “It is our intention to maintain marking his 44th death President Joe Biden announced anniversary. Chelvanayakam was notables paid individual tributes that US troops, currently about an embassy in Afghanistan going to Thanthai Chelva’s likeness. In forward. But we’ll have a very, very responsible for spear heading the 2,500, would leave the country by Vaddukoddai resolution, which , current ITAK chief Mavai September. minimal military presence there Senathirajah led the memorial – that which is strictly necessary was overwhelmingly ratified event at the Thanthai Chelva Meanwhile, Zalmay Khalilzad, to defend the embassy,” he said in by the Tamil votes in the 1976 Memorial Square. A floral wreath Washington’s special envoy to remarks to the American Enterprise parliamentary elections. was laid around the statue of Afghanistan, warned in a Senate Institute. hearing that US aid could be slashed Tamils held various Thanthai Chelva and participants if a Taliban-dominated government Earlier this month Biden said programmes to observe the day offered flowers in tribute to the did not respect human rights. The he would withdraw all troops from on April 26. In , former Tamil leader. Afghanistan by September 11, the a memorial event was held at State Department said in a travel Many Tamil politicians advisory that it had “ordered the 20th anniversary of the attacks that the Thanthai Chelva memorial led the US to invade and topple statue near the Sivan Temple in took part in the event departure from US embassy Kabul including parliamentarian of US government employees the Taliban regime which had Trincomalee. Former provincial M.A. Sumanthiran, northern whose functions can be performed harboured al-Qaeda leader Osama council chairman K. Selvaraja provincial council chairman elsewhere”. bin Laden. and district council member C.V.K. Sivagnanam and Jaffna Biden concluded that US forces Senathiraja laid a flower garland Ross Wilson, the acting US around the statue. Mayor V. Manivannan. ambassador in Kabul, said the State had achieved their objectives and Department took the decision “in could do little more, but US officials However, the programme was In , P. Sathiyalingam, light of increasing violence and have made no secret of their fears disrupted due to interference ITAK secretary, led the threat reports in Kabul”. He said that violence will intensify as the by Sri Lankan police. When the commemoration at the Thanthai the order affected an unspecified Taliban perceives that they achieved event was in progress, police Chelva memorial monument victory. “relatively small number” of officials approached and asked located near the clock tower. Sathiyalingam inaugurated the employees and that the embassy The State Department advisory, all participants to leave the place memorial event. would remain operational. which also renewed warnings for in the pretext of avoiding crowds “Personnel who are urgently Americans not to visit, said that due to the threat posed by the In , ITAK members needed to address issues related to “terrorist and insurgent groups COVID-19 pandemic. Thepaid tributes to Thanthai Chelva the pull-out of US forces and the continue planning and executing police also threatened to arrest at his memorial square located in vital work we are doing in support attacks in Afghanistan”. “The Talib the participants if they failed to the Vaavikarai Park. Former ITAK of the Afghan people will be able to say they are interested in not being comply with their orders. MP Pon. Selvarasa led the event. a pariah,” he told the panel. remain in place,” Wilson wrote on Local Tamils alleged taking Among others, parliamentarians Twitter. the advantage of the coronavirus from Batticaloa including situation, Sri Lanka’s security Govindhan Karunakaran, Ra. forces often intensifiedShanakiyan, former MP P. SL TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION their crackdown on Tamil Ariyenthiran and Batticaloa TARGETING SPEECH ON SOCIAL MEDIA remembrance events across Mayor T. Saravanabawan were also the northeast, increasing their present at the commemoration. Sri Lanka is planning to introduce new legislation to curb speech on social media under SRI LANKA CABINET APPROVES PROPOSED BAN claims of tackling “fake news.” Speaking to the ON BURQAS IN PUBLIC media on April 18, Justice Minister Ali Sabry Last month Sri Lanka’s cabinet was temporarily banned in 2019 said there must be limits on the freedoms that approved a proposed ban on after Easter Sunday suicide bomb wearing full-face veils including attacks killed more than 260 people. could be exercised and maintained restrictions Muslim burqas in public, citing Two local Muslim groups that had on speech should be in place with respects national security grounds, despite a pledged allegiance to the ISIL (ISIS) United Nations expert’s comment it group were blamed for the attacks at to “national security, reconciliation and would violate international law. six locations – two Roman Catholic churches, one Protestant church development, refraining from destroying the The cabinet approved theand three top hotels. name of the country and defaming individuals.” proposal by Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekera at its weekly Last month, Pakistani Sabry further alleged between 15 and 17 percent meeting on April 27, Weerasekera Ambassador Saad Khattak tweeted said on his Facebook page. The a ban would hurt the feelings of social media accounts in Sri Lanka are fake proposal will now be sent to the of Muslims. The UN special and maintained measures such as the Protection Attorney General’s Department and rapporteur on freedom of religion must be approved by parliament to or belief Ahmed Shaheed tweeted from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act become law. a ban would be incompatible with have been adopted in Singapore, Malaysia, and international law and the right to The proposal could easily be free religious expression. India. “Therefore, no one can file cases against passed as the government holds a majority in Parliament. Muslims make up about nine them even if they spread false information. There percent of Sri Lanka’s 22 million Weerasekara has called burqas, people, with Buddhists accounting is a certain limit up to which this freedom can a garment that covers the body and for more than 70 percent. Ethnic- be exercised,” he further said. face worn by some Muslim women, minority Tamils, who are mainly a “sign of religious extremism” and Hindus, comprise about 15 percent. said a ban would improve national security. The wearing of burqas voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 13

COLOMBO PORT PROJECT MAY BECOME INDIA’S FM CALLS ON SRI LANKA TO HOLD SAFE HAVEN FOR MONEY LAUNDERERS EARLY ELECTIONS

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and credit downgrades and the ability India has said it supports the call country voted in abstention at the Maldives, Alaina Teplitz warned Sri of the government to provide of international community for the UNHRC, but it made a “strong Lanka last month of unintended vital public services to the people, Sri Lankan Government to fulfill statement” as Explanation of Vote, consequences of “nefarious actors” while managing loss-making state its commitments on devolution of stressing “our abiding commitment who may try to misuse a China- enterprises. Teplitz said an idea by political authority including through to aspirations of the Tamils of Sri backed Colombo Port City’s easy US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen early holding of elections to provincial Lanka for equality, justice, peace and business rules as a permissive to have a global single corporate councils. dignity.” money laundering haven amid tax was just a proposal with no concerns of tax leaks. immediate impact, but Sri Lanka This also covers the commitment It had also urged the Sri Lankan should think about tax concessions ensuring all the provincial councils Government “to carry forward the Sri Lanka has unveiled draft in its own interests. are able to operate effectively in process of reconciliation, address the legislation for a Colombo Port City accordance with the 13th Amendment aspirations of the Tamil community Commission, which allows for Sri Lanka is under the worst to the Constitution of Sri Lanka, and continue to engage constructively sweeping tax breaks, tax-free salaries import controls since the 1970s according to S. Jaishankar, External with the international community.” and to be an offshore financial using the 1969 law, though exchange Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar,During the consideration of the centre, reported EconomyNext. controls are less draconian. Sri who wrote this in a letter sent last resolution at the Council on Lanka’s economy was progressively month to the AIADMK’s member of reconciliation, accountability, and “Any legislation relating to the closed with an import control law Parliament (Rajya Sabha) M. Thambi human rights in Sri Lanka, he said port city has to be considered very being enacted in 1969 as money Durai. The minister’s reply was in India had remained “closely in carefully for its economic impact,” printing pressured the rupee, which the context of the AIADMK leader touch” with all countries and made a Teplitz told reporters in Colombo worsened after the break-up of the raising the Sri Lankan Tamil issue statement at the interactive debate on in an online discussion on April 10. Bretton Woods in 1971, as then- in the Rajya Sabha last month in the February 25, outlining its position. The agency running the port Federal Reserve Chief Arthur context of a resolution adopted by Assuring Mr. Thambi Durai that city would have extensive powers Burns printed money to target an the United Nations Human Rights “all efforts are being made to ensure to exempt businesses from taxes output gap. This forced the dollar Council. that the safety and interests of Tamils for up to 40 years, though it is not to be floated. Sri Lanka’s attempts to Pointing out the position of in Sri Lanka are fully safeguarded,” the a tax haven in the traditional sense, create numbered accounts as part India was conveyed during the minister said the country “attaches reported EconomyNext. of creating non-resident foreign currency accounts, after re-opening deliberations on the motion at the high importance” to the matter. Sri Lanka’s tax revenues have the economy in 1978, was also Council, Dr. Jaishankar said the plunged in 2020, raising concerns resisted by Western nations. over debt and the fiscal path, REPLACEMENT MULLIVAIKKAL MEMORIAL UNVEILED AT JAFFNA UNIVERSITY OVER 6,000 SRI LANKAN The new monument was built to be 18 feet long and five feet wide WORKERS REPATRIATED to symbolise May 18, also known as “Tamil Genocide Day.” The new Last month the Sri Lanka Ranatunga, free government monument, however, fails to include Embassy in Kuwait facilitated quarantine facilities were arranged sculptures which represented the repatriation of Sri Lankan migrant for the returnees from the heavy artillery bombardment by workers and other Sri Lankans Kuwait Government Deportation Sri Lanka, which killed tens of who were severely affected by Centre and for migrant workers, thousands of Tamils at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic under accommodated at the Embassy Safe the armed conflict. the guidance of Foreign Minister House. The destruction of the monument and Foreign sparked widespread outrage across Secretary Admiral Professor The SLBFE, as per the advice of Labour Minister Nimal Siripala the northeast and around the world, Jayanath Colombage. As of April 28, with international politicians the Embassy repatriated over 6,000 de Silva and foreign employment promotions and market also condemning the act. Jaffna Sri Lankans out of 9,000 persons University students launched diversification State Minister registered with the Embassy. a hunger strike protesting the provides destruction and a hartal shut down The repatriation is facilitated by free hotel quarantine facilities to the entire northeast. the Embassy in coordination with the migrant workers returning from The replacement Mullivaikkal Presidential Secretariat, the Foreign the middle eastern region and 150 Memorial was unveiled last month Jaffna University’s Vice Ministry, the National Operation returnees who left Kuwait on April at the University of Jaffna, after it was Chancellor S. Srisatkunarajah, Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 12 received free hotel quarantine destroyed by Sri Lankan authorities initially slammed the protesters and Outbreak, Labour Ministry, facilities. earlier this year. On January 8, the threatened to take action against Foreign Employment Promotion monument which was dedicated the protesters if they continued with and Market Diversification State The Embassy is in coordination to the tens of thousands of Tamils their demonstration. His threat Ministry, the Sri Lanka Bureau with several airlines in the region killed in the genocidal offensive triggered widespread criticism of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), that operate from Kuwait to Sri at the end of the armed conflict in from Tamil communities and rights SriLankan Airlines and relevant Lanka and was able to bring 2009, was bulldozed by Sri Lankan groups. Kuwait authorities. down the repatriation package for authorities. migrant workers to Kuwait Dinar The vice-chancellor, however, The returnees included Sri250. The package includes one PCR Jaffna University studentssaid the orders for the demolition Lankan migrant workers held at the test in Kuwait, airfare, two PCR staged a demonstration outside the came from “higher authorities” Kuwait Government Deportation tests in Colombo and quarantine university entrance that evening including Sri Lanka’s defence, as the authorities toppled the Centre, the Kuwait Government charges for seven days, with the intelligence, and education ministry. monument located on the campus. In the face of huge criticism, he Shelter and the Safe House understanding the Embassy would On April 23 Jaffna University later promised to reconstruct the maintained by the Embassy. With facilitate obtaining approval students laid flowers and lit candles memorial, and work began on the support of Youth and Sports from the foreign ministry for at the replacement monument January 15, with the vice chancellor Affairs Minister Namal Rajapaksa the passengers list, submitted by to pay tribute to the lives lost at laying the foundation stone. and Tourism Minister Prasanna relevant airlines. Mullivaikkal. PAGE 14 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 GERMANY SPY AGENCY WATCHES ANTI-LOCKDOWN MOVEMENT groups, including the far-right AfD party, anti-vaxxers, and conspiracy theorists. GLOBAL NEWS The BfV (federal office for the protection of the Constitution) said the protest organisers’ agenda had gone beyond objecting to anti- COVID measures and had been connecting with Reichsbürger EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT BACKS BREXIT (Reich Citizens) and Selbstverwalter (Sovereign Citizens) who reject TRADE DEAL the authority of the German Germany’s domestic intelligence Government and spread anti- The European Parliament ratified the post-Brexit EU-UK trade agency has said some parts of the Semitic slurs. deal last month - a key move to ensure tariff-and quota-free trade continues. The Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) has anti-COVID lockdown movement Police and journalists have are being kept under observation been attacked. Last August been operating provisionally since January. MEPs voted in favour amid concerns they may be trying demonstrators overcame police to by 660 votes to five, while 32 abstained. The UK’s chief negotiator, to delegitimise the state. They are run up the steps of the Reichstag Lord Frost, said the vote “brings certainty and allows us to focus focusing particularly on some (Parliament) building bearing the on the future.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke of a “final step members of the “Querdenker” flag of former imperial Germany - a in a long journey.” The trade deal provided “stability to our new (lateral thinkers) movement and key Reichsbürger symbol. relationship with the EU as vital trading partners, close allies and say they do not fit into previous extremist categories. Recent protests near the sovereign equals,” he said. The result, announced on April 28 after a Brandenburg Gate have been vote late on April 27, was also welcomed by European Commission The BfV agency highlighted links dispersed after participants ignored president Ursula von der Leyen. Before the MEPs’ debate started with far right and other extremist police appeals to wear masks and on April 27, French Europe minister Clément Beaune accused the groups. Lawful protest was being observe social distancing rules. UK of blocking fishing rights. He said the EU could respond with “exploited to provoke an escalation,” In March, the agency designated “reprisals” in financial services. “The United Kingdom is expecting it warned on April 28. the far-right opposition AfD a quite a few authorisations from us for financial services. We won’t Although most protesters are not suspected extremist organisation, give any for as long as we don’t have guarantees on fishing and seen as extremists, “Querdenker” but a court in Cologne demanded other issues,” he said on French news channel BFMTV. French the suspension of a surveillance anti-lockdown demonstrations have fishermen have complained of being prevented from operating drawn support from a variety of order while the party challenged the move. in British waters because of difficulties in obtaining licences. Meanwhile, British seafood exporters have been hit by an EU ban on UK exports of live shellfish. Scottish firms account for most of CHINA’S TREATMENT OF UIGHURS IS that business, and some now face collapse. “CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY”

China is committing crimes Since 2017 when Beijing BIDEN ADMINISTRATION SLAPS against humanity in its treatment intensified its crackdown, arrests in of the Uighur ethnic minority Xinjiang accounted for 21 percent NEW SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA and other Turkic Muslims in the of all arrests in China, despite The Biden administrationthe largest and most sophisticated northwest region of Xinjiang, with the region accounting for just 1.5 imposed a raft of new sanctions hacking operations in history. Beijing responsible for “policies percent of the population, the against Moscow on April 15 over of mass detention, torture, and report said. Arrests in the region alleged election interference and “The U.S. Intelligence cultural persecution, among other increased by 306 percent in the cyberattacks. Community has high confidence offenses,” Human Rights Watch has last five years compared to the first in its assessment of attribution,” the said in a new report. five years. Since 2017, the Chinese “Today, the U.S. Department Treasury release said. The hack saw Government has also “used various of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign hackers gain access to the software The 53-page report, titledpretexts to damage or destroy” two- Assets Control (OFAC) took used by thousands of government Break Their Lineage, Break Their thirds of mosques in the region. sweeping action against 16 entities bureaus and companies. Roots documented a “range of and 16 individuals who attempted abuses” that also include enforced Richardson noted while their to influence the 2020 U.S. The penalties are also in response disappearances, mass surveillance, research had not yet reached the presidential election at the direction to a March report by the U.S. separation of families, forced high bar under international law of the leadership of the Russian director of national intelligence returns to China, forced labour, to prove “genocidal intent” by the Government,” the Treasury said in that concluded Russia’s President sexual violence, and violations of Chinese government, “nothing in a statement. Vladimir Putin authorized attempts reproductive rights. this report precludes that finding.” to interfere in the 2020 election in The United States Government, the In addition to the broad former President Donald Trump’s The report, released last month, Parliaments of Canada, Belgium sanctions issued by Treasury, the favor. The Biden-Putin call on April which was authored with the help and the Netherlands, and other State Department announced it 13, at least the second between the of Stanford Law School’s Human rights groups have already labelled will expel 10 officials from Russia’s two men since Biden took office in Rights and Conflict Resolution Beijing’s actions genocide. diplomatic mission in the United Clinic, noted while Beijing’s January, comes as the United States oppression of Turkic Muslims is Several countries, including States. The sanctions come following and other Western countries grow “not a new phenomenon,” it has the US, European Union, United President Joe Biden’s phone call this weary of Russia’s growing military reached “unprecedented levels.” Kingdom and Canada, have week with Russian leader Vladimir buildup along its border with imposed targeted sanctions. Putin, and as Russian forces amass Ukraine, where it has amassed tens As many as a million people Beijing has long denied allegations near the Ukraine border. of thousands of troops and tanks. have been detained in 300 to of abuses, dismissing them as Washington formally accused In the phone call with Putin, 400 facilities, including “political “slanderous attacks” saying the Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Biden “emphasized the United education” camps, pretrial detention detention camps in question are Service, or SVR, of being behind States’ unwavering commitment centres and prisons, the report said. “vocational training centres” meant the SolarWinds cyberattack Meanwhile, children whose parents to stem “extremism.” to Ukraine’s sovereignty and have been detained are sometimes publicized late last year, described territorial integrity,” according to a placed in state institutions. by cybersecurity experts as one of White House readout. voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 15

HONG KONG PASSES NEW IMMIGRATION LAW MEXICO SEES MASSIVE INCREASE Hong Kong passed a new immigration law last month that IN CHILDREN NEAR US BORDER includes powers to stop people from entering or leaving the Mexico has seen a nine-fold have travelled north from Central city, raising fears that Chinese mainland style “exit bans” could increase in the number of migrant America – particularly the be deployed in the international business hub. The legislation children arriving since the “Northern Triangle” countries of El beginning of the year, the United passed on April 28 by the city’s legislature which is now devoid Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala Nation’s child rights agency said, – and southern Mexico in hopes of of opposition as Beijing seeks to quash dissent and make the warning many children are being entering the US. semi-autonomous city more like the mainland following huge held in overcrowded shelters near and often violent protests. Activists, lawyers, and some business the country’s border with the US President Joe Biden has United States. promised to reverse some of his figures have sounded the alarm over various provisions within predecessor Donald Trump’s most the bill, including one that allows the city’s immigration chief to UNICEF said in a statement on hardline immigration policies, and bar people from boarding planes to and from the city. No court April 19 the number of children his administration has allowed order is required, and there is no recourse to appeal. The city’s has increased from 380 to almost unaccompanied minors who arrive 3,500 since the start of 2021. Half at the US-Mexico border to enter influential Bar Association (HKBA) warned the bill’s wording the children, who hail primarily the country. gave “apparently unfettered power” to the immigration director. from Honduras, Guatemala, El “If a new power to prevent Hong Kong residents and others from Salvador and Mexico, have travelled Thousands of children remain in US Government custody as leaving the region is to be conferred ... It should be for the courts, without their parents – “one of the the Biden administration works not the director, to decide when it is necessary and proportionate highest proportions ever recorded in Mexico,” the group said. to boost capacity to process the to impose a travel ban,” HKBA said in a February submission. minors and release them to vetted So-called “exit bans” are often used in mainland China against Children also made up almost 30 sponsors in the country. US border activists who challenge authorities. Opponents fear the same tactic percent of migrants staying in some officials apprehended more than Mexican shelters. 172,000 migrants at the border could now be employed in Hong Kong. “We have seen China’s in March alone, including nearly practice to suppress dissidents and human rights lawyers via “I was heartbroken to see the 19,000 unaccompanied children, restrictions on their movements in and out of the country,” said suffering of so many young children, according to US Customs and including babies, at the Mexican Border Protection (CBP) figures. barrister Chow Hang-tung, from the Hong Kong Alliance. Exit border with the US,” Jean Gough, bans in China have also impacted business figures. Hong Kong’s UNICEF’s regional director for The vast majority of migrants Government said the new bill was needed to address a backlog of Latin America and the Caribbean, who seek entry into the US are non-refoulement claims and to screen illegal immigrants before said in the statement. turned away, in part due to a they depart for the city. However, the wording of the bill does not Trump-era order that effectively In recent months, thousands sealed the border to most migrants limit the power to arriving flights, and legal analysts fear it could of migrants and asylum seekers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. also be deployed against people leaving Hong Kong. THOUSANDS AFFECTED BY FLOODS IN TIMOR-LESTE MIDDLE EAST STATES AMONG United Nations agencies in measure, [we] extend full support WORLD’S TOP EXECUTIONERS Timor-Leste are supporting to the people and Government of response efforts, as floods and Timor-Leste in this hour of need.” Four of the world’s five top The 483 executions in 18landslides left widespread damage There are concerns the disaster executioners in 2020 were Middle countries reported during 2020 across the country, including in the could hit COVID-19 prevention East states, Amnesty International represented a decrease of 26 percent capital, Dili. and response efforts, as the national said last month. Iran, Egypt, Iraq. compared to 2019’s 657 executions, According to preliminary official medical storage facility was heavily and Saudi Arabia accounted for and a fall of 70 percent from a figures, 21 people are reported flooded and many medical supplies 88 percent of the 483 reported peak of 1,634 executions in 2015, to have died and about 2,065 damaged or washed away. A executions worldwide, according to Amnesty International said on households – approximately 10,325 COVID-19 isolation facility had a report by the human rights group. April 29 in its annual report on use people – affected across Timor- to be temporarily evacuated, and of the death penalty. It accuses them of displaying “a Leste. About 76 percent of the the national laboratory was also ruthless and chilling persistence” In the Middle East, the overall affected people are in Dili, large affected by the floods. when most of the world was focused number fell from 579 in 2019 to 437 parts of which are under water. According to Dageng Liu, UN on saving people’s lives from a in 2020. That was largely driven by Severe damage was reported to World Food Programme (WFP) deadly virus. The global total was an 85 percent decline in recorded critical infrastructure, including Country Director in Timor-Leste, the lowest in a decade, but it did not executions in Saudi Arabia, where roads, bridges, and medical centres, “The priority right now is to include China. China is believed to 27 took place, and a 50 percent while communication networks and continue evacuating and relocating execute thousands of people each reduction in Iraq, which carried out electricity are said to be disrupted of families most affected.” year, but the data on its use of the 45. in some of the worst affected areas. death penalty is a state secret. The agencies are currently using However, the report says the Roy Trivedy, UN Resident existing resources to respond to the Secrecy in North Korea and decreases were overshadowed by Coordinator in Timor-Leste, said flood emergency and will mobilize Vietnam also made it impossible a 300 percent increase in Egypt, UN agencies and partners are additional resources if required to verify reports from those two which put 107 people to death and supporting the national response, once the needs become clearer. countries. became the world’s third most adding, “As an emergency response frequent executioner. CHAPTER: RESTRAINING ANGER Though men should work thee woe, like touch of tongues of fire ‘Tis well if thou canst save thy soul from burning ire Explanation: Though one commit things against you as painful (to bear) as if a bundle of fire had been thrust upon you, it will be well, to refrain, if possible, from anger PAGE 16 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021

MYANMAR’S OUSTED MPS FORM SHADOW INDONESIA’S TOURISM PROJECT GOVERNMENT WILL TRAMPLE ON HUMAN RIGHTS A “parliament” working in hiding minister who is ethnic Karen, UN rights experts have raised alarm over forced evictions of to oust Myanmar’s junta from said Min Ko Naing, a prominent locals and Indigenous peoples and threats against human rights power announced a new shadow democracy leader, in an address on defenders, to make way for a $3 billion tourism project on government on April 16, with the CRPH’s official Facebook page. the Indonesian island of Lombok. In a joint statement led by deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi at Olivier De Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty its helm alongside ethnic minority ‘We have organised a government which has the largest number of and human rights, the experts highlighted expulsions of local politicians. The country has been communities and destruction of houses, fields, water sources, and in turmoil since the military ethnic minority groups,’ he said. cultural and religious sites, as the Indonesian Government and the detained Suu Kyi and seized power While Myanmar has more than on February 1, triggering a massive country’s Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) “groomed 130 official ethnic minority groups, Mandalika to become a ‘New Bali.’” “Credible sources have found uprising that the junta has sought to the country’s political fate has long the local residents were subjected to threats and intimidations and quell with lethal force. been tightly controlled by the Bamar majority—first under a nearly forcibly evicted from their land without compensation. Despite Besides demanding a return these findings, the ITDC has not sought to pay compensation or to democracy, protesters are also five-decade junta regime which settle the land disputes,” the experts said. The government’s aim increasingly calling for more of a forced a so-called “Bamarisation” governing role for the country’s on minorities; and then under Suu is to create an enormous tourism complex in Mandalika, which is minority groups—which have long Kyi’s administration. situated in Lombok’s impoverished West Nusa Tenggara Province, with a Grand Prix motorcycle circuit, parks, resorts and hotels, seen their voices marginalised Besides ethnic Karen and Kachin by the ethnic Bamar majority. leaders, the CRPH’s list of appointed the experts added. To date, the project has attracted more than The committee representingministers also included prominent $1 billion in private investment and is being managed by Asian Pyidaungsu Hluttaw—a group politicians from the Chin, Shanni, Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a multilateral financial of lawmakers mostly from Suu Mon, Karenni and Ta’ang minority institution. The rights experts also criticized a lack of due diligence Kyi’s party attempting to govern groups. They were chosen based on by the AIIB and private businesses to identify, prevent, mitigate, underground via a shadow results from the 2020 election, input and account for how they address adverse human rights impacts, parliament—announced its leaders from a nationwide anti-coup protest on April 16. as set forth in the UN Guiding Principles on business and human movement, and ethnic minority rights. In March several UN experts voiced their concerns in joint Helming the so-called ‘National groups—including armed rebels communications to the Indonesian Government, the ITDC and in the country’s border territories, Unity Government’ is Suu Kyi, in the AIIB, concerned private companies involved in the project, her position as state counsellor, said Min Ko Naing. “We have to pull it from the root... we must try and their home states, France, Spain and the United States, the and president Win Myint. Both statement noted. are under house arrest and facing a to eradicate it,” he said, referring to barrage of charges from the junta. the junta as he raised a three-finger They are flanked by a vice president salute—the symbol of resistance. who is ethnic Kachin and a prime UN RIGHTS EXPERTS CALL FOR END TO POLICE BRUTALITY IN BELARUS

SPAIN PLANS TO WELCOME The continued pattern of police force surrounding last August’s brutality and impunity in Belarus vote. TOURISTS UNDER EU SCHEME must end, UN rights experts said Spain said last month it hopes to open up to overseas last month, expressing alarm “We are deeply concerned that, travellers starting in June, as plans for an EU-wide over excessive use of force against instead of bringing perpetrators to justice, the authorities are digital certificate go before the European Parliament. protesters and repression of journalists in the country. arbitrarily seeking to silence Tourism minister Fernando Valdés said on April 28 a all forms of dissent, through pilot test would take place in May so Spain would be In the last week of March, unjustified violence, intimidation ready to receive travellers the following month. The 176 people were detained during and growingly by bringing criminal EU has been working on a digital pass in time for the peaceful protests commemorating charges against those who exercise summer holidays. It would cover anyone who is either Freedom Day on 25 March, an their fundamental rights, or defend vaccinated against COVID-19, has a negative test or unofficial holiday, they reported, victims of human rights violations,” and seven journalists were among they said in a statement. recently recovered. Several countries have already begun more than 240 people apprehended using digital or paper passes to help ease local lockdowns. days later. The UN experts also pointed to Mr. Valdés told a travel conference in Mexico his country what they described as a worrying would be “ready in June to tell all travellers worldwide Mass protests and demonstrations trend, as many journalists and have continued since last August’s human rights defenders were that you can visit us.” However, any scheme to open to disputed presidential election reportedly harassed and detained non-European tourism would be dependent on the EU’s returned Alexander Lukashenko to while covering rallies last year. digital green certificate, and Mr. Valdés said it was not a power. magic wand. Spain has long been a favourite destination Meanwhile, reports indicate for British holidaymakers, but they will have to wait The Human Rights Council the Investigative Committee of passed a resolution condemning Belarus, a state oversight body, several more weeks to find out if they can start booking. abuses of fundamental freedoms has considered use of violence by Starting 17 May overseas leisure travel could resume for and multiple rights violations. The law enforcement as justified and people in England under Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s experts said in a statement they proportionate, and no officers roadmap for easing restrictions. The UK Government were alarmed at the high number have been charged in connection is also expected to set out which countries fall into the of alleged arbitrary arrests and with allegations of torture and ill- “green,” “amber,” and “red” categories under a new risk- detentions “which demonstrate a treatment committed last year. based traffic light system. These will determine testing continued pattern of police brutality The 10 experts include the UN against demonstrators.” Special Rapporteur on the human and quarantine requirements for travellers when they rights situation in Belarus, and return from various countries. They were also concernedthe Working Group on Arbitrary security forces have not been held Detention. accountable for excessive use of voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 17

NOVA SCOTIA TO UPDATE FAMILY LEGISLATION Proposed amendments to Nova Scotia’s Parenting and Support Act introduced last month will promote family justice, offer consistency to families, support children’s best interests and align the legislation with recent changes to the federal Divorce NOVA SCOTIA LAWYER HONOURED WITH CBA’S Act that took effect on March 1. Nova Scotia said in a news release LEGAL AID LEADER AWARD the amendments, which were introduced on April 7 and take effect upon proclamation, will update the word “custody” with The Canadian Bar Association’s murder after the trial judge was terms like “parenting time” and “decision-making responsibility” access to justice subcommittee found to have erroneously applied a to promote positive parenting arrangements, and will clarify selected a Nova Scotia Legal Aid Vetrovec warning. senior lawyer last month as the that day-to-day decision-making responsibility lies with the recipient of the 2021 Legal Aid Burrill will join the Presenting person exercising parenting time except if a court has ordered Counsel team of the Mass Casualty Leader Award for his service to the otherwise, as well as what the legal process is for a parent seeking less fortunate throughout his 35- Commission, a joint initiative of the year career. federal and provincial governments to move with the child. The proposed changes will also identify led by Michael McDonald, former the duties of parents with matters before courts, will ensure The Legal Aid Leader Award chief justice of Nova Scotia. The that courts can access the information they require for making distinguishes legal aid lawyers who Commission will conduct an have made notable contributions to inquiry into the April 2020 shooting decisions about parenting arrangements, and will require courts advancing access to justice for those incident in and around Portapique, to consider any civil or criminal proceeding, order, condition or in need. Nova Scotia, that claimed 22 lives. measure relevant to the child’s safety in the interests of better Roger Burrill has advised and Burrill has served as a member addressing family violence issues and of better protecting the mentored criminal lawyers in Nova of the Court’s Rules Committee, child. “By addressing potential inconsistencies that families Scotia Legal Aid and in the private the Justice of the Peace Training may face when dealing with legal matters, we are supporting bar. In the last 10 years of his practice Committee, the Court Liaison with Legal Aid, he has appeared as Committee, the Nova Scotia our goal of improving access to justice,” Randy Delore, Nova counsel over 80 times in criminal Barristers Society’s discipline Scotia’s attorney general and justice minister said in the news appeals and has had numerous committee, bar admission course, release. Canada’s Bill C-78 updated federal family laws relating successful trial decisions involving and the board of Phoenix Youth access to justice, the Canadian Bar Programs, as well as an instructor of to divorce, parenting, and enforcement of family obligations, Association said in a news release. criminal trial practice at Dalhousie according to the federal justice department’s website. The bill University’s Schulich School of Law. amended the Divorce Act, the Family Orders and Agreements The award recognizes Burrill’s work, skill, sense of camaraderie Burrill has been a regular Enforcement Assistance Act and the Garnishment, Attachment and dedication to justice, said contributor to continuing legal and Pension Diversion Act to make these laws more responsive Burrill’s nominator, Charlene education sessions for Nova to families’ needs. Bill C-78 had four main goals: to promote the Moore, service delivery director at Scotia Legal Aid, the Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Legal Aid. Criminal Lawyers Association, the best interests of the child, to deal with family violence, to reduce Federation of Law Societies, and child poverty, and to improve the accessibility and efficiency of Burrill served as counsel in the the Canadian Bar Association Nova the family justice system. In Canada, family law is split between case of Randy Riley, which led to Scotia’s criminal lawyers section on federal, provincial and territorial governments. The federal the Supreme Court of Canada’s the subject of cross-examination on unanimous decision to grant a prior inconsistent statements. government exercises jurisdiction over married couples who new trial to a person convicted of are divorcing pursuant to the Divorce Act. It can help provinces and territories enforce support orders by assisting in finding a NEW DATING APP LAUNCHED TO HELP support payor, by garnishing federal money owed to a support payor to satisfy a support debt and by suspending a debtor’s LAWYERS CONNECT WITH PEOPLE passport or federal licences. In Nova Scotia, the Family Court Lawyr, a dating app for lawyers and others in the legal-services hears all family law matters except divorce and division of community, has been launched recently. Although launched several property. weeks ago, the app has already attracted users from around the globe – from Toronto to Russia, to Vietnam, says founder Matthew Rhodes. Rhodes is director and co-founder of RollOnFriday, the OTTAWA ANNOUNCES NEW PATHWAY FOR legal-profession news website, based in London, UK. The company developed Lawyr and introduced it in March. The idea for the app FOREIGN NATIONALS struck Rhodes and his colleagues when the pandemic hit, and they Last month the Ministry those in healthcare, 30,000 for were thinking about what they could do to engage RollOnFriday’s of Immigration, Refugees and essential workers and 40,000 locked down readers. Because so many of their readers are based Citizenship announced a new for international students. The in the UK, Rhodes expected domestic engagement but is surprised pathway to permanent residency for Ministry has also launched three at the level of global pick-up. “And we have got a large number “essential temporary workers” and additional streams with no intake of UK users on it. But we’ve got people from Auckland, Toronto, “international graduates” who are caps for Francophones or bilingual currently living in Canada. candidates. Montreal, New York, Houston, Sacramento, Vietnam – I mean, everywhere around the world has just turned up for this. Quite According to the announcement, The Ministry will be accepting a lot in Russia, as well and Tashkent and places like that, which the candidates must have at applications from May 6 to I think is brilliant.” Prior to launching RollOnFriday in 2000, least one year of Canadian work November 5, 2021, or until 90,000 experience in one of the health- total permanent residents have been Rhodes spent two years as litigation associate at the international related occupations or pre-approved admitted. law firm Ashurst. Young, single lawyers, toiling to establish essential occupations or have themselves in their careers, typically have little time or energy to completed an eligible Canadian The Ministry’s announcement post-secondary program within the said it hopes the pathway will meet people. While other dating apps are useful, Rhodes and his help Canada achieve its “2021 colleagues built theirs with the belief lawyers would prefer to date last four years but no earlier than Jan. 2017. Immigration Levels Plan” of people who truly understand the pressures they are under and the 401,000 new permanent residents. schedules they keep. There are 20,000 spots for PAGE 18 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021

UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR INTRODUCES UK BAR PREDICTS SCHOLARSHIP FOR INDIGENOUS LAW STUDENTS INCOME BOOM FROM STUDENTS

The University of WindsorWaters. For Windsor, recruiting Faculty of Law has introduced a Indigenous students is a “high new scholarship for Indigenous priority” for the school, he said. law students starting this fall. This scholarship is in memory of Windsor has an Indigenous alumnus Fred Bartley, the Crown Legal Orders Institute, regularly attorney who was instrumental hosts Anishinaabe law camps, has in establishing Gladue courts in an elder-in-residence program Toronto. in partnership with Walpole Island First Nation, and faculty A member of the Serpent River council recently agreed to create a First Nation, Bartley died last specialization in Indigenous legal September, of complications from orders for students, Waters said. liver disease. He was a few days The 2021-22 budget of Bar more opportunity for certainty and short of his 53rd birthday. “We have really strong Standards Board (BSB) in the U.K. optimism. Indigenous professors right now foresees a 40 percent increase in He spent 20 years at the Toronto including our incoming Acting student fees from last year, despite This increase comes amid a Crown Attorney’s office afterDean, [Beverly] Jacobs. And declining numbers of pupillages decline in pupillage numbers, graduating from Windsor in 1996. Indigenous Legal Orders is a available. The regulator haswhich had fallen 35 percent in 2020 mandatory first-year course for predicted an income of £1.35 million according to numbers published by Former Windsor Law Dean us. It looks at Indigenous legal from Bar training, compared with the BSB in February. In that report, Christopher Waters said last month orders from the ground up… We £958,000 last year and £657,000 in the BSB also predicted the impact the school has raised $25,000 so far, look forward to Fred’s legacy being 2019. of COVID-19 would continue into and the scholarship will amount honoured in terms of educating 2021, having last year declared the to $1,000 per student. As the the next generation of Indigenous While appearing to be a vast leap, odds of securing a pupillage at 14-1. contributions continue to roll in, he it is possible the budget forecast and non-Indigenous lawyers in The rise in income from Bar said they hope to offer more in the Canada.” does not tell the whole story. A BSB future. spokesperson noted they had taken school fees coincides with an overall The news of the scholarship a cautious approach to numbers in reduction in the cost of courses A large gift came from the comes as Indigenous law expert Dr. 2020 due to uncertainty over the themselves, as the University of Ontario Crown Attorneys Beverly Jacobs assumes the role of impact training reforms could have Law and BPP University Law School Association, which hopes to acting law dean. Jacobs is Windsor’s on Bar students. have both reduced their fees. encourage Indigenous law students first Indigenous law dean, Waters Despite the budget increase, the to consider careers as Crowns, said further said. Despite the concerns, student numbers and income were higher BSB has forecast a £2 million loss at than predicted, and with the the end of this fiscal year. reforms now firmly in place there is LINKLATERS IN UK LAUNCHES A-LEVEL MONTREAL’S 20-20-20 HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TUTORING PROGRAMME BYLAW COMES INTO EFFECT

Magic circle law firm Linklaters and interview support. A new “20-20-20” housing Montrealers will return to the launched a bespoke A-level tutoring development bylaw came into force polls in November, and former programme last month – Making The students can then apply in Montreal on April 1, which mayor Denis Coderre, who is Links Discovery – with two pillars, to take part in the second phase requires real estate developers to considered more supportive of one aimed at advancing social of the programme in year 13 (or construct social, affordable, and the business community and has mobility and the other on improving equivalent). family housing in the city. announced his intention to run for racial and ethnic diversity within The second phase involves office again, has already promised the profession. The bylaw has met with some to review the legislation. individual tutoring and the chance opposition as it requires large, The firm partnered with the to be fast tracked onto the firm’s new residential developments to Although developers have not Social Mobility Foundation and £6,000 Making Links Scholarship contain 20 percent social housing, favoured the new bylaw, which will The Amos Bursary to develop the programme. Successful candidates 20 percent affordable housing and increase the cost of construction 18-month programme, which has on the scholarship programme will 20 percent “family housing” with a and, some say, encourage developers been designed to improve access to receive, among other things, one- minimum of three bedrooms. to build elsewhere, advocates for the profession for 16 to 18-year-old on-one coaching, group sessions on social housing have said the bylaw students across the UK. commercial awareness, a guaranteed The new regulation wasdoesn’t go far enough, says Chantal week of work experience, and a promoted by Montreal mayor Sylvestre, Montreal lead of the real The Social Mobility Foundation chance to interview for the firm’s Valérie Plante, who made a 2017 estate practice at Dentons Canada will be identifying candidates from 2021/22 vacation scheme spots. campaign promise to increase LLP. social mobility “cold spots,” while affordable housing in the city. The The Amos Bursary will nominate The CEO of the Social Mobility bylaw will replace the “strategy for The bylaw will apply in all city candidates who identify as having Foundation, Sarah Atkinson said: inclusion of affordable housing in boroughs and to all residential Black, Pakistani or Bangladeshi “The pandemic is set to have a new residential projects” adopted projects of 450 square metres (4,843 heritage. disproportionate impact on the in 2005 and revised in 2015, which square feet) or more with some futures of young people from low- aimed to secure 15 percent social exceptions. The first phase of the programme income backgrounds, so the pillars housing and 15 percent affordable will provide 30 year 12 students of this programme – mentoring, housing per development project. There was much debate of the with an interest in law who are from work experience and skills bylaw before it came into force and disadvantaged socio-economic development – are particularly In announcing the amended several groups made presentations backgrounds or racially and crucial. We appreciate Linklaters’ legislation in November, Mayor to the City to modify it, says ethnically diverse backgrounds, ongoing commitment to social Plante noted in the previous five Sylvestre. With a population of with access to support. This will mobility.” years the price of condo apartments about 1.8 million people, the City of include mentoring, tutoring, work and buildings with two or more Montreal comprises 19 constituent shadowing, university application residential units had risen by 43 boroughs. advice and skills sessions, and CV percent in Montreal while in the central core it had doubled. voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 19

INSTITUTIONAL THEORIES ABOUT THE USE OF TORTURE

There are many entrenched people gentleman or sir. Unless we beliefs, which have become are rough, they will not divulge institutional doctrines within the anything. Particularly in cases of policing system that contribute to theft and robbery, there is no point the continuing practice of torture. in wasting time asking questions because we know they will never tell No suspect will ever tell the the truth. The only way to get the truth. Therefore, it is better not to truth out is to treat them roughly, waste time asking questions before meaning through the use of force. torturing the person. This is a practice almost invariably followed Among the higher officers, there in the cases of people from low- is a general assumption it is not promotions and other matters in this manner by their seniors income groups. However, the same possible to develop sophisticated within the institutional framework. tend to repeat the same pattern of assumption is not applied when means of criminal investigation as In addition, this solves the problem behaviour in their own interactions the suspects are from more affluent Sri Lanka is a poor country. Even in terms of possible questioning by with people. Frequently, it is the classes or are persons that wield at very high levels, the officers have the media or politicians. What is lower ranking officers who do the some political or social influence. asserted the following at meetings. needed is not to resolve crimes in direct torturing while the senior For example, there have been Due to the economic backwardness a manner as required by the law. It officers engage in such practices many cases in recent years against of the country, they cannot afford to is to create the appearance of such less often. The language used by the politicians and high officials relating provide first class treatment to the being solved. This is accomplished police on persons from low income to corruption charges. However, suspects. Implied in this attitude is by way of any kind of subterfuge for groups is of a harsh nature. They none of these persons made any the use of torture and ill treatment which torture could be used as an often use what is usually understood complaints that they were tortured is the only affordable method that efficient instrument. to be bad language and phrases, so or harassed in any way. could be used to extract information there is a pattern of reproducing from the suspects. THE BELIEF FEAR IS A As opposed to that, there are internal violence to outsiders within NECESSARY CONDITION FOR the policing system. thousands of complaints from There is also this institutional THE SOCIAL CONTROL OF persons from lower income earning agreement. Although statements THE POOR. The firm conviction that torture, groups who are often arrested for obtained from suspects cannot be ill treatment and other forms of very petty crimes. The interrogation used against them during a trial, the The cultural belief ingrained into violence will be protected by an takes place, accompanied by torture use of such force is quite useful in policing and other law enforcement effective system of impunity. High and ill treatment along with the use extracting information that would agencies is this: Fear is a necessary ranking officers collaborate in of very harsh language against the lead to the identification of other condition for the control of the attempts to hush up the instances suspect. This issue was discussed witnesses. poor and low income earning of the use of force by police before the Supreme Court in the groups. This cultural belief has a officers in two ways. They do case of Gerald Mervin Perera. long history related to the methods not conduct inquiries as soon as Gerald Mervin Perera was brought of social control that have been possible (creating various kinds of to meet the police by forcing his wife used in Sri Lanka for over 1,000 harassment to the complaints). They to call him to come immediately. years. When the policing system even alter documents to eliminate Upon arrival, he was put in a police was introduced by the British, the any kind of evidence that may be in jeep and taken to the Wattala Police colonial officers gradually began to those records. Station. At the police station, no understand this factor. It was the questions were asked from him. reason the prohibition on leading THE CHANGE OF He was taken to an isolated room the evidence of confessions and INSTITUTIONAL MENTALITY where he was hung. Here, the police admissions was introduced into the AS A RESULT OF COUNTER officers beat him with wooden poles Evidence Ordinance itself. However, INSURGENCIES. and iron rods. As he was beaten, he during the time of colonial control was told to reveal what he knows By Basil Fernando over the policing system, there were The 1971 insurrection virtually about a triple murder case that had many measures to keep torture and changed the course of history in taken place within the jurisdiction ill treatment by law enforcement Sri Lanka in the political as well as of that police station. He did not Their evidence can be presented officers under control. However, legal spheres. That was not due to know anything about the issue, so before the courts. Such evidence after independence, this gradually the strength of the insurgency itself. he was beaten more. is not admissible as evidence of a began to break down. Particularly, Looking back from a distance, the confession or an admission by a since the 1970s, the use of torture, insurgency was in fact extremely The police were under the suspect. However, the use of torture ill treatment, and extrajudicial weak, carried out without any impression he was such a stubborn is permissible as a first step into killings, including enforced extensive organization or with person he refused to divulge the the discovery of details about the disappearances, was re-introduced any kind of substantial means. information even after beingcommission of a crime. Thus, the on a large scale. This class element Many activities of the insurgency severely tortured. The victim was inquiries do not begin generally relating to torture is a necessary consisted of training some young taken down only after the police with an independent investigation factor. Through that prism, one can people in a few classes about the received the news the actual culprits into the evidence. It is used as a basis understand the widespread use of casualty of the Janatha Vimukthi of the case had been identified, and to obtain incriminating evidence torture within the policing system Peramuna (the People’s Liberation Gerald Perera knew nothing about that could be discovered from the and the institutional justification of Front). The activities were mainly the case. Due to his injuries, Gerald suspect himself. Where the suspect and for it. making some Molotov cocktails and Perera suffered kidney failure, is innocent and is unable to give working on the trade union front. remaining unconscious for nearly evidence about the alleged crime, Another factor is the practices The importance of the insurgency two weeks. This is what the Supreme he/she is repeatedly tortured. that exist within the policing system was it exposed the weakness of the Court observed in this case. If after itself regarding the treatment Sri Lankan state. The insurgents the arrest, a few questions had been It is also institutionally of the lower ranks by higher mainly relied on this weakness. asked, the whole matter could have acceptable a crime is solved even ranking police officers. The general They thought they could create ended within a few minutes and the with the wrong person as the practice (though there may be situations of disturbance in the suspect released. suspect rather than admitting a some exceptions) is the very harsh country although the leader and a failure in the investigation. The treatment of lower ranking officers few others may have thought of the On many occasions, the police reason for this is an institutional to get them to perform various tasks. possibility of coming to power. They officers, particularly OICs of police assumption. If proper reports are The use of very harsh language had not convinced any significant stations, have been questioned on filed before the courts and to the against them and imposing harsh portion of the population about that this issue by persons engaged in higher authorities about solving schedules of work and the like is capacity, nor were they prepared for human rights work. The general a crime, it saves them from being part of the institutional culture of such an eventuality. reply has been something like this: questioned about unresolved cases. policing in Sri Lanka. The result is You do not expect us to call these These could have an impact on the officers who are treated badly To be continued in next issue… PAGE 20 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021

SRI LANKA GEARING TOWARDS LEGALIZING IMPUNITY FOR GROSS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS Armed with a two-thirds majority debated in the Parliament, which Rajapaksa alias Corporal Nathan, the Avant Garde case, which involves in the Parliament, the Sri Lankan will continue for two days. Wadugedara Vinnie Priyantha floating armories and millions in Government is aiming to legalize Dilanjan Upasena alias Suresh, briberies. impunity, which takes the country LEGALISING IMPUNITY Seneviratne Mudiyanselage Ravindra Navy intelligence officer further away from delivering justice The Commission was appointed Rupasena alias Corporal Ranji, Deliwalagedara Gamini Seneviratne to victims of crimes committed by to “investigate and inquire into Yapa Mudiyanselage Chaminda and intelligence officer Kankanamge the state. Acting on a presidential and obtain information in relation Kumara Abeyratne, Seneviratne Pradeep Chaminda implicated in directive approved by the cabinet to alleged victimizations of public Mudiyanselage Kanishka Gunaratne, the 2006 killing of Tamil National of ministers, Prime Minister officers, employees of publicAiyasami Balasubramaniam, Alliance MP . tabled a motion corporations and members of armed Dangaha Gamaralalage Tharanga seeking Parliament authorisation to forces and police service who were Prasad Gamage, Telge Eranda Radish Rajapaksa family members, withdraw scores of ongoing court holding posts” when the former Peiris, S.A Hemachandra Perera, , Yoshitha Kanishka cases filed against military men government was in power. Thantulage Toshinath PrabodhaRajapaksa, Udayanga Weeratunga, including officers, Rajapaksa family Siriwardena, M.P.G Wasantha Sudesh Jaliya Chithran Wickremasuriya Its 2000 plus page final report members and key players of the Kumara Ulugedara and Henadheera and Thirukumar Nadesan as well presented to the president in ruling party. Furthermore, punitive Arachchige Hemachandra Perera. as ruling party MP Udaya Prabhath December 2020. It argued the arrest action is to be taken against officials Gammanpila will also walk away and prosecution of military men was RAJAPAKSA FAMILY who investigated the cases. from bribery and corruption cases a concerted effort to punish “war MEMBERS involving millions once the motion Several Army and Navy men who heroes who saved the country from Some of those named above have is adopted as law. have been charged in cases identified 30 years of terrorism.” been charged with the abduction by the UN as “emblematic” will DUMINDA SILVA go scot-free once the PM’s motion The current president himself has of the journalist at an earlier time. becomes law. These cases include been consistently pushing to legalise All 14 suspects in the abduction of Arumadura Lawrence Romelo the abduction, torture and killing impunity for Sri Lanka’s military Journalist Keith Noyahr in 2008 Duminda Silva, a former member of of 11 males, the abduction and officials who are yet to be held named below will also be acquitted Parliament currently on death row disappearance of journalist Prageeth accountable for allegations of war when the Parliament approves the for the murder of his party colleague Ekneligoda, the killing of journalist crimes and crimes against humanity. motion. Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra In the aftermath of the deadly Easter Lasantha Wickremetunge, the Major General Kuruppu Achchige in 2011, is another Rajapaksa loyalist bombings two years ago, Gotabaya abduction and torture of journalist Dhammika Amal Karunasekara, waiting to walk free with the passage Rajapaksa was joined by wartime Keith Noyahr and the assassination Lieutenant Colonel D.W.D.M of the bill. military commanders to prepare a of parliamentarian Nadaraja Raviraj. R.P.S Bandara Dissanayaka They have all been committed outside report, which proposed impunity for The bill also seeks parliamentary the theatre of war. security officials. approval to review the continuation of cases against Moses Rangajeewa LAWYERS VOW TO RESIST One of its co-authors, Admiral of By Kithsiri Wijesinghe Neomal and Lamahewage Emil the Fleet, Former Navy Commander Ranjan who are suspects in the These gross human rightsWasantha Karannagoda is also Welikada prison massacre of 2012. violations were committed when the named to be acquitted from charges Bulathwatte, Commissioned Officer current head of state was the very related to the abduction, torture, and Atapattu Hunkiri Arachchige The Bar Association of Sri Lanka powerful defence secretary under disappearance of 11 males in 2008- Lasantha Wimalaweera, Staff(BASL) warned the bill becoming law the presidency of his brother, the 09. Alongside the ex-Navy chief, Sergeant Senadheera Arachchige “would be inimical to the Doctrine of present PM. Due to international Rear Admiral D.K.P Dassanayake, Hemachandra Perera, Staff Sergeant Separation of Powers and an affront pressure and the perseverance of Commander Sumith Ranasinghe, Uyange Prabhath Duminda to the Rule of Law, the independence family members of the victims, cases Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Chandana Weeraratne, Corporal Pedige of the Judiciary and would set a very were filed in court against Army and Kumara Hettiarachchi who are Nishantha Kumara, Staff Sergeant bad and unhealthy precedent with Navy officials including the country’s charged in the same case will be Sri Narayana Mudiyanselage regard to due process.” topmost naval commander Admiral acquitted once the PM’s motion Chandrabaya Jayasuriya, Staff “The Executive Committee of the of the Fleet . becomes law. Sergeant Godellawatta Arachchige Chamika Sumith, Staff Sergeant BASL is of the opinion that the said The Bar Association of Sri Lanka Two other Navy officers Lieutenant Galbindina Elegedara Priyantha motion, even if passed, would and (BASL) has said it will “firmly resist Commander M.M Dhammika Anil Kumara Somasuriya, Staff Sergeant should have no effect or influence on any attempt to use the said motion Mapa and Lieutenant Commander Hitihami Mudiyanselage Nishantha any court of law or on the Department to withdraw any criminal action S.Don Sumedha Sampath Dayananda Jayatilleke and Commissioned Officer of the Honorable Attorney pending before a court of law.” who have been charged for the Rajapaksage Lalith Rajapaksa. General or on the Commission to abduction and disappearance of two Investigate Allegations of Bribery President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Tamils in the Colombo district, are The CoI has recommendedor Corruption,” said a statement directed the cabinet of ministers also recommended for acquittal. acquittal for the following as well. signed by BASL Secretary Rajeev on January 15, 2021 to implement Amarasuriya. decisions and recommendations The CoI has recommended Former Additional Defence of the Presidential Commission acquittal for the following military Secretary DM Samansiri Pledging to firmly resist any of Inquiry (CoI) into Political intelligence officers charged for Dissanayake, Former Senior attempt to use the controversial Victimization. It has recommended the abduction and disappearance Assistant Secretary of the Ministry motion to withdraw any criminal withdrawing the cases against of Carton Journalist Prageeth of Defence DM Sujatha Damayanthi action pending before a court of many military officers who have Ekneligoda in 2010. Jayaratne, Major Nissanka yapa law, the BASL urged PM Mahinda pending court cases for alleged Senadhipathi, Major General Palitha Rajapaksa to stop pursuing the said gross human rights violations. Those Lieutenant Colonel Shammi Fernando and Victor Samaraweera motion. recommendations are now being Arjuna Kumararatne, R.M.P Kumara who are suspects in a case known as

“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at” - Bruce Lee voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 21

RUSSIA VARIABLE IN INDIA-CHINA EQUATION

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey 5G infrastructure, more Russia- The quote :In internationallocations in this area. Not just Lavrov’s latest diplomatic flurry China technological and military relations, there are no permanent the Eastern Maritime Corridor from Beijing to New Delhi and then cooperation is forthcoming. They friends or permanent enemies, only (Chennai-Vladivostok), India to Islamabad, immediately after the have also announced plans to permanent interests” is attributed to and Russia are also exploring the virtual Quad summit and the United build a joint lunar space station. Lord Palmerston of Great Britain, possibilities of Japan-India-Russia States-China meeting in Alaska, US sanctions on China and Russia but Indian policymakers seem to trilateral economic cooperation demonstrates Russia’s stakes and have also prompted them to hold that spirit close to their heart. in Russia’s far east region. In the interests in both the Indo-Pacific develop alternatives to a dollar- India has a longstanding relationship midst of such relations, the future region and India-China relations. dominated Western global financial with Russia. Nevertheless, through of the Quad is likely to hinge on The timing and intensity of these architecture. a growing strategic partnership various economic trajectories in diplomatic engagements add more the making. Referring to his recent meaning to Russian endeavours and visit to China, Lavrov has assured priorities. This also indicates India’s India that Russian relations with adjustment of relationships with China “do not pursue the goal of the great powers amid the shifting establishing a military alliance.” dynamics among them. Last year, acting as a pragmatic interlocutor, Russia had quietly Although no longer a superpower, played a constructive role in Russia is still a significant player on diffusing the Line of Actual Control the world scene and has been striving standoff between India and China. to reclaim its erstwhile position primarily through military power WITHDRAWAL FROM and technological advancement. AFGHANISTAN China, India, and other major powers are also determined to claim The Biden administration’s their positions. The US is trying to announcement of a complete with Europe and the US, India is strike a balance without ruling out American troop withdrawal from Moreover, both countries have Afghanistan by September might diplomacy with Russia and China, developed a mutual understanding but it is becoming increasingly By Surendra Singh Rawal have created some worry among to cooperate in the Central Asian Indian policymakers about India’s difficult for America to walk the region—advancing Chinese tight rope amidst burgeoning stake in Kabul. Regardless of the economic interests through the trying to rebalance its relationship relations among nations in the existing Russia-China-Pakistan Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and with the great powers, maintaining region. In 2018, Henry Kissinger troika, Russia considers India a maintaining Russian political and overall equilibrium and its own had suggested to then US president major stakeholder on the issue of security primacy. They are also strategic autonomy. New Delhi is Donald Trump that America should Afghanistan. Moscow is careful collaborating in the Arctic region also expanding its ties with Asian work with Russia to contain a rising not to hurt New Delhi’s sentiment through China’s Polar Silk Road, middle powers like Korea, Japan China. in the region. The Economic Times where Chinese capital and Russian and Australia. writes, “During Jaishankar-Lavrov transport logistics would create dialogue, the Russian side also NEUTRAL POSITION Some speculate the Russia- synergy to exploit Arctic energy reiterated its support for India’s India strategic relationship is Instead, the US approach and resources. position on Kashmir and Pakistan waning because of growing US- attitude have contributed to bringing besides making it clear that will Likewise, India is cautious about India closeness and Russia-China China and Russia closer. The recent neither join CPEC nor supply the current transitional period partnership. That does not seem Quad summit and Alaska meeting defense equipment to Islamabad.” have further accelerated the closing and the dynamics between three to be the case. During the same of the gap between the two. Russia great powers—the US, China, and meeting between Jaishankar and Furthermore, China’s 25-year criticized the Quad’s development Russia—that could change sooner Lavrov, India and Russia discussed deal with Iran, India’s investment as a counterbalance to China, and than later. In the Indian perception, establishing a manufacturing in Iran’s Chabahar port, and has maintained a neutral position the world heading towards facility to produce Russian arms International North-South on Chinese claims in the South multipolarity is an equal possibility under the “Make in India” drive Transport Corridor connecting China Sea. The declaration signed as the great power competition and extend military-technical Russia and Central Asia make the by Russian Foreign Minister between the US and China. After cooperation between the two. Russian role even more meaningful Sergey Lavrov and his Chinese the recent meeting with Lavrov Recently, New Delhi cleared Russia’s in striking a balance between counterpart Wang Yi after their last in New Delhi, Indian Minister Sputnik V vaccines for use in India, Indian and Chinese interests in meeting in Beijing vowed to reject of External Affairs S Jaishankar and it is also manufacturing the Iran and the strategically important the politicisation of human rights said, “I shared our viewpoint on Russian vaccine in facilities across region. So far, Russia has been a and interference in their countries’ the Indo-Pacific… Contemporary the country. Besides, New Delhi is significant variable in the India- internal affairs. challenges require countries to looking for a long-term partnership China equation on multiple fronts, work together in new and different in nuclear and space technology creating an equilibrium rather than Despite the advocacy of a ways. Such cooperation also reflects with Moscow. an imbalance. Indeed, balance and democratic alliance in the Indo- the multipolar and rebalanced stability between India and China India understands Russia is an Pacific region, Moscow and Beijing character of global politics.” This appear to be in Russia’s best interest important player in the Indo-Pacific are drifting closer because of shows India does not fully embrace for now. their mutual interests. On top of the great power competition region. Both countries have initiated bilateral trade, energy deals and conception. cooperation in some geographical

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” - Eleanor Roosevelt PAGE 22 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021

PAPER VALUE PLEDGES AND TIME PASSING TAMIL POLITICIANS This article focuses on theof armed forces and military apparatus. to stick on to this allegation until all question. However, it has fallen short performances of Tamil National efforts are exhausted to prove it. While without indicating or mentioning the Alliance [TNA] since its monopoly role b) Compensation for the loss of genocide is asserted by Tamils all over action plan of TNA in the event the in Tamils’ politics and issues from 2010 lives and for all those maimed and who the world, the unwarranted damaging government fails to honor the pleas as endorsed by the late Liberation Tigers suffered losses. statements of Sumanthiran have and deliver an acceptable political of supremo Velupillai undoubtedly vitiated the Tamils’ claim settlement proposal, which situation Prabaharan. This article analyses It is all the more pathetic to note the unbelievable silence of TNA to of genocide and damaged the causes of is going to be certain to materialize the past performance of TNA and Tamils while jeopardising the chances viewing the past political somersaults the present directionless, compliant, launch an awareness campaign for the people in the South and mobilize the to defend it at any judicial or public of past Sri Lankan Governments, which complacent and lack lustre leadership forum to uphold accountability and have been adept in delivering promises of Tamils who are now left in a state of support of both Tamils and Sinhalese to endorse federalism, besides pressing the justice. On the contrary, his statement only to be followed by breaches. limbo and are desperately in need of an has created a much-needed escape route alternative young, sincere, dedicated, government to take meaningful steps Above all, whether the proposed new towards a federal system justifying its to Sri Lanka to stultify this accusation energetic and devoted leader replacing of genocide. Constitution will have a safe delivery the aged present action less and time position morally, legally and politically without abortion is doubtful and far passing leaders for retirement. suitable for Sri Lanka. TNA has also 2) TNA has failed to carry on from certain viewing the rising tide of unreasonably failed to fully identify a campaign to prosecute the war irrational and communal opposition This is a demanding indispensable itself with the peaceful protesters criminals either locally or outside from various quarters in the south like need which has to be met without any campaigning for “the disappeared and or even initiating steps to prosecute Mahinda front, Mahanayakes front and hesitation as time is running out for missing,” “political prisoners,” and them under the Universal Jurisdiction other chauvinist outfits and groups who the Tamils to ensure their existence release of lands seized by the security Clause including ICC as they are now are breathing fire and fury and helping and survival in Sri Lanka in the face of forces. calling for. This inexcusable lapse is themselves with the bogey of separation a menacing increased and accelerated doing nothing but inflicting more as their trump card. agenda of Buddhisisation, Sinhalisiation TNA has now opted and chosen the role of spectators and as random face wounds to the victims of war and the and Militarization in progress which is dead and fallen youths and civilians, With a wavering and disunited cleverly and openly executed by an all showing participants instead of acting TNA, which is not exploiting its present as leaders to spearhead these campaigns. thus jettisoning the twin principles of powerful President with the support of accountability and justice. political strength and status, it is left hard line chauvinistic Buddhist clergy It appears the affected Tamils as a whole for the students, Tamil civil groups, and communalistic Sinhala politicians. are now brought down and forced to the 3) TNA has maintained inexplicable intellectuals and diaspora to lead the position to initiate the protests and fend silence over the ongoing process of Tamils as one force while seeking The first period of 2015 to 2019 saw for themselves on their own as long as Sinhalisation and Buddhisisation. It the support and intervention of the the beginning of the rule of Rajapaksas’ they can survive braving the heat, dust, appears they have left this matter to international community. family who ruled while unleashing cold and rain. the affected locals to protest in places authoritarian tendencies keeping the where Buddhist Viharas are built, and It is better late than never for the opposition and Tamil political leaders at There is no doubt this weak TNA to initiate and pursue a concerted and aimless leadership of TNA has Buddha statues are erected. This silence bay without any threats from them. The of TNA could be considered consent to campaign for the universally and Tamil leaders also adopted a submissive emboldened the government to proceed UN recognised people’s right of self- with its own agenda of Buddhisisation the government’s program, justifying attitude and mostly remained as silent the saying “silence is consent.” determination, which has been kept spectators for the politics and policies and Sinhalaisation in the North and alive in all the political manifestos of of Rajapaksas. East of Sri Lanka [The historical and 4) TNA thus far not initiated any all Tamil political parties since 1976 traditional homeland of the Tamils]. mass and popular protests against the including the present TNA. This period dawned with the government for their delay, refusal introduction of “Good Governance” to and denial of justice and remedies for The much expected hope and do away with the “Bad Governance” of the grievances of Tamils which have optimism that the existing historical Rajapakshas’ and usher a Maithiripala been accumulating for the past 72 coalition of major parties in Sri Lanka, Srisena– ’s years, particularly after the genocidal UNP and SLFP would bring out a prosperous peaceful Sri Lanka. TNA war. Above all, it is a pity TNA has no permanent and acceptable political embraced and trusted the “Good agenda or program of action to pursue settlement for the Tamils has proved Governance” crusaders with TNA the goals and aspirations of Tamils. It to be an illusion as the reality is the leader Sampanthan openly declaring appears the recent statements of TNA south political parties will never his trust in them, not mindful of the are confirming their abandoning the be able to free themselves from the past deceptive record and history of election pledges of Federalism and entrenched “Mahavamsa” mindset. the Sinhalese leaders and governments. north and east merger while accepting The resultant process of Buddhisisation Five years went by smoothly for the the unitary form of government and and Sinhalisisation agenda set in “Good Governance,” so also meekly and endorsing Buddhism’s foremost place motion from 1948 by the late D.S. quietly for TNA and Tamils who were in the proposed Constitution. Senanayake, which is continuing fed with hopes and later experienced By Thambu Kanagasabai unabated, unhindered, undeterred and the let downs and disappointments. It is further disappointing to note uninterrupted in the north and east. the disunited TNA and the subdued The promised new Constitution As for the Tamils, there is no and meek opposition expressed by It needs stated not a single political did not materialize, and the promises gainsaying of the fact all the Sinhalese TNA, which is not the hallmark in the promise has been implemented so far for more powers to the North and leaders are united in pursuing political history of Tamils. Viewing despite Tamil leaders’ conciliation Eastern Provincial Councils also the agenda of Buddhisiation and the TNA’s unacceptable and poor moves and cooperation throughout the remained hollow and empty, even Sinhalisation but only disunited as to political performance and consequently last twelve years. It is time for Tamils to though Sampanthan became the official the intensity and scope in their pursuit weakening the causes of the Tamils, who act forcefully and demand their political opposition leader and promised political of communal campaign with each one are also ignored by Security Council solutions and not simply make requests settlement before every Deepavaili out classing and out beating the other and United Nations so far, a solemn or pleadings. The New Year statement festival in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Only to capture the political crown. duty has fallen on the shoulders of of TNA leader Sampanthan pledging Deepavali festivals went without any to achieve our demand with struggles It is incomprehensible to note the students and their leaders to rise up and constructive political moves for the take control of the politics and destiny until the end is nothing new, but only Tamils. TNA leader has not achieved anything a repetitive statement made since 2010. concrete even after the lapse of 12 years. of Tamils. The power of students has to be recognized, embraced and accepted It is appropriate to recall the main It looks certain the election pledges Their failings and omissions have by all Tamils to carry forward the political pledges made by the TNA in struggle for accountability and justice. of TNA made in 2010 will continue to its 2010 election manifesto: to be highlighted for the sake of live as long as TNA leads the Tamils. information. Sacrificing some time and energy As for the other two Tamil parties, 1. Right of self-determination for the for this noble cause will go down in Tamil National People’s Front led by Tamils. 1) TNA has neither passed a resolution confirming the “GENOCIDE” nor is history as sacrifices to save the Tamils Gagendrakumar Ponnambalam and Tamil Peoople’s National Front led by 2. A merged North and East with there any statement made to this effect from extinction through the process of so far. TNA by this unpardonable assimilation which is underway in the Justice Wigneswaran, the less said the power sharing arrangements under a better as they appear to be self-image federal constitution. blunder have only weakened the north and east. Duty and burden also lie Tamils cause in the United Nations, on them to make the government and boosting parties. 3. Release of Tamil political UNHRC and international community the international community realise the strength of opposition, which is now What the Tamils need is not eloquent prisoners and general amnesty to all while discouraging the West to desist speeches and occasional statements but others detained without charges and calling the war crimes as GENOCIDE. treated by the government as nuisance or no value. ground to earth actions to solve the their prompt release. TNA has so far failed to employ accumulating issues and long-standing its resources to collect all forms of grievances of Tamils. Also some of the main matters of evidence to support the crime of Sam and Suma’s much applauded speeches in Parliament during the immediate concern mentioned by TNA genocide to help the UNHRC and It is relevant to quote Thirukurral were: UN High Commissioner for Human debate on “Interim Committee Proposals” focused on the need no. 448: “This bemoans the fate of a Rights. Sumanthiran’s statement that king who will perish without the guard a) Meaningful demilitarization in there is insufficient evidence to prove for an acceptable solution, ending the North and East with the return of with entreating and humble pleas of men who can criticize him, even the allegation of genocide defies logic though there is no one to destroy him.” the military to the pre-war situation as and sense before making any efforts to the government to consider the it existed in 1983 including the removal to collect, present and submit them importance of solutions to the national voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 23

WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY INTRODUCES NEW PROGRAM TO ATTRACT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Wilfrid Laurier University, a public university in Canada, has introduced a prep program at its Brantford campus to attract more international students. The program will offer academic course content, social and academic support systems and study skills development. Heidi Northwood, senior executive officer at the Brantford campus, said the program has been launched keeping in mind the interest of international students in pursuing higher education in Canada and getting a “truly Canadian” experience. Brantford would fulfil these and will have a lot more to offer UCALGARY PROFESSOR SPARKS CONTROVERSY such as the “adjacent trails system,” “natural beauty of the Grand River,”, Indigenous culture and the richness of the contemporary. John Conly, an infectious diseases The article states Dr. Conly holds Northwood added sometimes international students take time to physician and professor of medicine considerable global influence in get familiar with using English as their primary language or the at the University of Calgary, the pandemic as the chair of the academic system of Canada. The program will, hence, offer non- sparked controversy last month WHO’s Infection Prevention and after he downplayed the potential Control Research and Development academic support to international students including the student airborne spread of COVID-19 at Expert Group for COVID-19. The wellness centre, career and co-op centre, clubs and teams and a UCalgary event. Specifically, he group makes key decisions on the the Laurier Brantford YMCA. She further noted it is important denied aerosol transmission is a research that informs the WHO’s for students to feel secure, connected and supported on campus primary route of transmission with recommendations. to be able to succeed. International students, after completing the virus and claims N95 masks can cause “harms.” Other researchers in the article the eight courses of the program over two years, will be allowed state Dr. Conly’s thinking about to continue their second year study at either its Brantford or Dr. Conly is a top adviser to the airborne transmission is outdated. Waterloo campus. The program is a 10-year partnership between World Health Organization, which makes his comments even more “The science is very strong to Navitas and Laurier. Similar programs have been established for concerning. support aerosol transmission [with international students in the UK, USA, Europe, New Zealand, COVID-19],” said Raymond Tellier, and Australia by Navitas. Deborah MacLatchy, Laurier president “Any time you look at benefits, associate medical professor at you need to look at harms, of which McGill University. and vice-chancellor, said this collaboration is crucial to increase there are many harms with N95s— the number of international students at the Brantford campus. It and I think to ignore them you are The article states the WHO has will not only enhance its cultural landscape but will also provide at your peril,” he told a panel. come under fire for downplaying the risk of airborne transmission important economic opportunities for the downtown. Northwood “There is acne, also issues before, and other experts state the mentioned they are aiming to have 50 students in the inaugural with eczema, conjunctivitis, CO2 organization “needs to acknowledge class of the international college program commencing in retention; there has been decreased aerosol transmission as a main September. The long-term objective is to welcome 1,000 students O2 concentrations in pregnant driver of the pandemic.” in the next 10 years, which will help the university reach its goal women—many side-effects to this.” of having 15 percent international students. Currently, there are a total of 1,413 international students enrolled at Laurier, including INDIAN STUDENTS HOLD PROTEST AGAINST CANADA 137 at Brantford. VISA PROCESSING DELAYS

Indian students willing to study documents. Students, however, in Canada’s Quebec held a protest said they are still awaiting for their FRANCE SETS TARGET OF HAVING 20,000 INDIAN last month outside the General applications to be processed. STUDENTS BY 2025 Consulate of Canada against significant delays in visa application They further held protests France is looking to target more concerns etc. process. The students also pointed in Chandigarh at the General than 20,000 Indian students by 2025. out the IRCC is not prioritising Consulate of Canada and gave It was stated by French Minister for In the event held at the French the visa applications of students applications to a staff member. Europe and Foreign Affairs - Jean- embassy, 15 Alumni Ambassadors who applied for their visas over 12 One of the students said many of Yves Le Drian - in an event held at were chosen from the prestigious months ago. them had been attending virtual the French Embassy last month. France Alumni network to boost classes since Fall 2020 without student mobility between France Urging Canadian authorities to the assurance of getting a visa. In He also said they wish to bring and India. The members selected expedite the student visa application addition, they had deposited tuition French and Indian youth closer by are experienced people from the process, Indian students hoping to fees in those ten institutions. enrolling the maximum Indian fields of science, art, management, pursue higher education in Quebec students in the country. The minister culinary and social sciences and are took to streets in Chandigarh. The protestors said that they also assures they will provide full leaders in the specific fields in India. have not received any reply from support to international students The Ministry of Immigration, the Canadian authorities, as of now. during their stay in the country. In the event, these members Frenchisation and Integration, a A lot of students from institutions shared their experiences of living in government department in Quebec apart from those ten institutions in Jean-Yves Le Drian recently France and ideas to improve student issued an order in late 2020 to Quebec are also waiting for their visited India where a meeting mobility between France and India. suspend processing international visas to be processed. This includes was held with External Affairs applications at 10 institutions institutions from other Canadian Minister S. Jaishankar on education The education sector across the in the province because of provinces and territories. as well as on bilateral, regional, world has been highly affected due “dubious” recruitment practices for and international issues of to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most international students. According to data from The PIE mutual interest. The focus was on countries have faced difficulty in News based on 519 students, 486 strengthening the bond between retaining international students Following the order, the said that they had still not received the two countries and boost either due to restrictions, lockdowns ministry commented it had PPR for study permit applications cooperation in several fields like in many parts of the world or due to resumed processing international that they had applied for in 2019 or education, environmental concerns, delays in visa processing. applications on a temporary basis 2020. climatical change concerns, social for those who had already submitted PAGE 24 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021

US STUDENTS DEFRAUDED BY COLLEGES AUSTRALIA’S UQ SEES RECORD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT IN 2021 COULD SEE FULL DEBT RELIEF The students in the United States who were defrauded by their colleges and received only partial relief from their federal As universities continue to semester 1, 2019. Enrolments from loans could now see them fully cancelled, the Joe Biden offer tuition fee discounts toChina increased from 7,466 in 2020 administration announced on March 18, reversing a Trump international students studying and 8,995 in 2019 to 11,265 in 2021. online, Australia’s University administration policy. The change could lead to $1 billion of Queensland (UQ) has seen a The university had earlier in loans being cancelled for 72,000 borrowers, all of whom record number of international mentioned 80 percent of new attended for-profit schools, the US Department of Education enrolments in 2021 despite the international students for semester said. “Borrowers deserve a simplified and fair path to relief surge in COVID cases and border 1, 2021, were in their home country. when they have been harmed by their institution’s misconduct,” closure. UQ has also been offering a rebate of 12.5 percent to international said Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “A close review Apart from Queensland, the students to let them enroll in a of these claims and the associated evidence showed these universities of Adelaide and course, study online for the time borrowers have been harmed, and we will grant them a fresh Newcastle are also offering up to 20 being and come to Australia when start from their debt.” The department said it was rescinding percent discounts to retain foreign possible. the formula used by the administration of former US President students stuck in their home Donald Trump to determine partial relief and putting in countries, enrolled online. However, if the borders continue to remain closed, their viewpoint place “a streamlined path to receiving full loan discharges.” UQ has, however, warned the might change, which might lead to The decision applies to students who already had their claims increase is due to pent-up demand a decline in the number of students approved and received only partial relief, the department said. from students who were not able in the next semesters, she added. A senior department official briefing reporters said the agency to enroll in 2020. It is also of the was continuing to review both the backlog of claims yet to view the numbers may decline in Universities like RMIT the future if borders remain shut. University have seen a 25 percent be decided and those that have been denied. The department The University of Newcastle told decline in international student described the action of March 18 as “a first step” and said it Guardian Australia its scheme of enrolments when compared to the would be looking at rewriting the regulations down the road. offering a discount of 20 percent same time in 2020. In addition to having their loans fully cancelled, students resulted in a higher than expected Data released in 2021 by the will be reimbursed for any payments made on the loans and number of students enrolling and education department showed full- have their eligibility for federal student aid reinstated. The accepting offers. fee paying loans have either doubled department said it also would ask credit bureaus to remove In addition, international or tripled at certain universities. any negative ratings tied to the loans. The borrower defense students from China enrolling The University of Adelaide to repayment programme allows students to have their federal at UQ increased to 50 percent forecast fee-help loans to increase loans cancelled if they were defrauded by their colleges. The from 2020, even as the Chinese from $11.4 million to $21.9 million; administration of US President Barack Obama had expanded Government had been telling Charles Darwin University to rise the programme aimed at helping students who attended for- students to avoid studying in from $470,00 to $1.38 million; Australia. profit colleges. Trump’s education secretary, Betsy DeVos, Central Queensland University to pulled it back, saying it had become too easy for students to In semester 1, 2021, UQ recorded rise from $10.46m to $20.41million; and Monash University to increase have their loans erased and revised the programme to make it 17,956 international student harder for them to get relief, including providing only partial enrolments, up from 14,882 in from $78.7 million to $104.2 semester 1, 2020 and 16,612 in million. cancellation of the loans. Congress voted to overturn DeVos’s changes last March, but it was vetoed by Trump.

UK ANNOUNCES TURNING SCHEME FOR STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

The UK Government announced of living along with additional Assistant director partnerships Doneland will visit the universities last month applications for the funding to cover passport, visa and and mobility at UUKi Celia of Cardiff and Edinburgh to discuss Turing Scheme that aims to broaden insurance costs. Partridge called it a step towards how to welcome more disadvantaged the network of university-level providing additional support students and widening its access to students aspiring to study abroad The Department for Education to disadvantaged and disabled them. are now open. or DfE released more details for students along with flexibility in higher education institutions in allowing shorter mobility. Head of International Study With Britain leaving the Britain to the 110 million-pound and Language Institute at the European Union, one of the first Turing Scheme, which was named Partridge added how this is only University of Reading, David Carter moves made by the government was after the English mathematician the first year of the scheme and raised concerns about the scheme to increase the student exchange and codebreaker Alan Turing. universities will now be facing time including whether the allocated programmes with different pressures given the short window budget was enough to support countries like India. Prime Minister Boris Johnson for applications. The launch of the worldwide mobility and what said the scheme is an international scheme was marked by education the impact of modern language In a bid to replace the EU-wide program that allows every eligible ministers visiting the devolved learning in the UK could be. popular Erasmus+ programme, country to partner with universities, nations who have been critical of the UK Government launched colleges and schools in the UK. It the leaving Erasmus+ to point out It can be noted a £110 million the Turing Scheme that will will further help students from all the benefits of the Turing scheme, budget for a total of 35,000 offer university students from income backgrounds get access to she said. exchanges would amount to an disadvantaged backgrounds up good educational opportunities in average of £3,143 per exchange. to £490 per month towards cost any country they choose. Universities minister Michelle

CHAPTER: RESTRAINING ANGER If man his soul preserve from wrathful fires, He gains with that whate’er his soul desires Explanation: If a man never indulges anger in his heart, he will at once obtain whatever he has thought of voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 25

CONTROLLING THIS HORMONE MAY LOWER BLOOD SUGAR New research has indicated activity, diet, sleep, and stress. there’s a clear connection between the stress hormone, cortisol, and Stress is a factor that’s often elevated blood sugar levels in people forgotten and loosely understood, living with Type 2 diabetes. which is what prompted him to lead a team of researchers to better Researchers found those who understand its relationship to blood exhibited flatter cortisol profiles glucose levels. All participants in had higher blood glucose (sugar) this study had diabetes, and those levels. Cortisol levels that appear who consistently experienced stress HEART ATTACK CASES MORE COMMON IN WOMEN to remain flat throughout the day or depression had sustained cortisol are often a result of stress levels levels. that are too high and possibly even A recent study found chest pain The researchers recorded the is misdiagnosed in women more physician’s initial diagnosis after depression. However, having rhythm in cortisol levels appears to be very frequently than in men. The research the first evaluation of each patient, According to the study important in multiple health also found ladies with chest torment which is based on clinical history, were more likely than men to wait physical examination, and an published in the journal outcomes, Joseph said. more than 12 hours prior to looking electrocardiogram (ECG) and Psychoneuroendocrinology, having The researchers also believefor clinical assistance. occurs before other examinations sustained levels of cortisol can make like blood tests. it more challenging to regulate cortisol may play a role in diabetes The findings of the research were blood sugar levels and ultimately prevention—not just management. presented last month at ESC Acute A total of 41,828 patients with manage the condition. However, more research is needed Cardiovascular Care 2021--an online chest pain were included, of which 42 to confirm this idea. Until then, scientific congress of the European percent were women. The median age “In healthy people, cortisol Joseph tells his patients with Society of Cardiology (ESC). was 65 years in women and 59 years fluctuates naturally throughout the Type 2 diabetes to manage stress in men. Women were significantly “Our findings suggest a gender more likely to present late to the day, spiking in the morning and and depressive symptoms by gap in the first evaluation of chest hospital (defined as waiting 12 hours falling at night,” said Dr. Joshua periodically taking time to relax pain, with the likelihood of heart or longer after symptom onset): this J. Joseph, an endocrinologist and and perform an activity that makes attack being underestimated in occurred in 41 percent of women researcher at The Ohio State Wexner them happy. women,” said study author Dr. compared to 37 percent of men. Medical Center’s Diabetes and Gemma Martinez-Nadal of the Metabolism Research Center who “We have begun a new trial to Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Spain. “This is worrying since chest pain examine if mindfulness practices is the main symptom of reduced led the study. “But in participants This study examined gender blood flow to the heart (ischaemia) with Type 2 diabetes, cortisol can lower blood sugar in those with differences in the presentation, Type 2 diabetes,” said Joseph. “But because an artery has narrowed,” profiles that were flatter throughout diagnosis, and management of said Dr. Martinez-Nadal. “It can lead the day, had higher glucose levels.” this isn’t the only effective form of patients admitted with chest pain to to a myocardial infarction which stress relief. It’s important to find the cardiac care unit of an emergency needs rapid treatment.” Joseph says there are four pillars something you enjoy and make it a department between 2008 and 2019. of diabetes management: physical part of your everyday routine.” The significantly lower suspicion Information was collected on risk of ACS in females was maintained factors for a heart attack including regardless of the number of risk high blood pressure and obesity. factors or the presence of typical NIGHTTIME ARTIFICIAL LIGHTS EXPOSURE chest pain. MAY ELEVATE THYROID CANCER RISK People living in regions with databases to identify thyroid cancer HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE CAUSES ATRIAL FIBRILLATION high levels of outdoor artificial light diagnoses through 2011. at night may face a higher risk of Scientists have recently found randomised controlled trial called developing thyroid cancer, suggested Among 464,371 participants who high blood pressure is casually Mendelian randomisation. the findings of a novel study. were followed for an average of 12.8 associated with the most common years, 856 cases of thyroid cancer heart rhythm disorder. The findings They used data from the largest The finding comes from a were diagnosed (384 in men and 472 of the study were published in the genome-wide association study study published early online in in women). When compared with “European Journal of Preventive (GWAS) on blood pressure and atrial “CANCER,” a peer-reviewed journal the lowest quintile of light at night, Cardiology.” fibrillation which included more than of the American Cancer Society. the highest quintile was associated one million individuals of European with a 55 percent higher risk of Study author Dr Georgios ancestry of which 60,620 had atrial Over the past century, developing thyroid cancer. Georgiopoulos of King’s College fibrillation and 970,216 did not. nightscapes-especially in cities- London, UK and National and have drastically changed due to the The association was primarily Kapodistrian University of Athens, The first step was to identify 894 rapid growth of electric lighting. driven by the most common form Greece said, “Establishing that genetic variants associated with Also, epidemiological studies have of thyroid cancer, called papillary elevated blood pressure causes atrial blood pressure. Next, the researchers reported an association between thyroid cancer, and it was stronger fibrillation provides further impetus analysed which of those variants higher satellite-measured levels of in women than in men. for public health strategies aimed at played a role in atrial fibrillation. nighttime light and elevated breast improving blood pressure control cancer risk. In women, the association was To conduct the naturally stronger for localised cancer with no in the general population and for randomised controlled trial, the Because some breast cancers sign of spread to other parts of the individual efforts to keep levels in 894 genetic variants were randomly may share a common hormone- body, while in men the association check.” allocated to all participants at dependent basis with thyroid was stronger for more advanced Atrial fibrillation is the most conception, giving each individual a cancer, a team led by Qian Xiao, stages of cancer. common heart rhythm disorder, blood pressure level. PhD, of The University of Texas The association appeared to be affecting more than 40 million The investigators then analysed Health Science Center at Houston individuals globally. School of Public Health, looked for similar for different tumor sizes and the association between blood an association between light at night across participants with different People with the disorder have a pressure and atrial fibrillation. and later development of thyroid sociodemographic characteristics five times greater risk of having a and body mass index. Elevated blood pressure was cancer among participants in the stroke. Previous studies have shown associated with an increased risk NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, The researchers noted additional an association between high blood of atrial fibrillation. Specifically, which recruited American adults epidemiologic studies are needed to pressure and developing atrial one mmHg rises in systolic blood aged 50 to 71 years in 1995-1996. confirm their findings. If confirmed, fibrillation, but there was no strong pressure, diastolic blood pressure evidence of direct causality. The investigators analysedit will be important to understand and pulse pressure were associated satellite imagery data to estimate the mechanisms underlying the To investigate whether blood with 1.8 percent, 2.6 percent, and 1.4 levels of light at night at participants’ relationship between light at night pressure has a direct impact on percent relative increases in the risk residential addresses, and they and thyroid cancer. the risk of atrial fibrillation, the of atrial fibrillation, respectively. examined state cancer registry researchers conducted a naturally PAGE 26 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY COULD RESET AN EGG A DAY CAN TRIGGER DIABETES DEPRESSED BRAIN Egg, be it scrambled, poached or traditional diet comprising grains A powerful hallucinogenic drug known for its part boiled, is a popular breakfast food and vegetables, to a more processed in shamanic rituals is being trialled as a potential cure the world over, but new research diet that includes greater amounts for depression for the first time. Participants will be warns excess egg consumption can of meat, snacks and energy-dense given the drug DMT, followed by talking therapy, BBC increase your risk of diabetes. food. reports. It is hoped this could offer an alternative for The study found that people who the significant number of people who don’t respond While the association between regularly consumed one or more to conventional antidepressants. Psychedelic-assisted eating eggs and diabetes is often eggs per day (equivalent to 50 grams) therapy might offer longer-term relief from symptoms, debated, this study aims to assess increased their risk of diabetes by some researchers believe. A growing body of evidence people’s long-term egg consumption 60 percent, and the effect was more indicates other psychedelic drugs, particularly alongside and their risk of developing diabetes, pronounced in women than in men. talking therapy, are safe and can be effective for treating a as determined by fasting blood range of mental illnesses. This will be the first time DMT Conducted in partnership with glucose. is given to people with moderate to severe depression the China Medical University and “What we discovered was that in a clinical trial. Carol Routledge, the chief scientific Qatar University, the longitudinal higher long-term egg consumption officer of Small Pharma, the company running the trial study (1991 to 2009) led by the (greater than 38 grams per day) said: “We believe the impact will be almost immediate University of South Australia is the increased the risk of diabetes among and longer lasting than conventional antidepressants.” first to assess egg consumption in a Chinese adults by approximately 25 The drug is known as the “spirit molecule” because of large sample of Chinese adults. percent. Furthermore, adults who the way it alters the human consciousness and produces Epidemiologist and public health regularly ate a lot of eggs (over 50 hallucinations that have been likened to a near-death expert Ming Li said the rise of grams, or equivalent to one egg per experience. It is also the active ingredient in ayahuasca, diabetes is a growing concern. day) had an increased risk of diabetes a traditional Amazonian plant medicine used to bring by 60 percent,” Ming claimed. spiritual enlightenment. Researchers believe the drug “Diet is a known and modifiable might help loosen the brain’s fixed pathways, which can factor that contributes to the onset While these results suggest then be “reset” with talking therapy afterwards. Ms. of Type 2 diabetes, so understanding higher egg consumption is Routledge likened the drug to “shaking a snow globe” the range of dietary factors that might positively associated with the risk of diabetes in Chinese adults, more - throwing entrenched negative thought patterns up impact the growing prevalence of in the air, which the therapy allows to be resettled the disease is important,” Ming said. research is needed to explore causal relationships. into a more functional form, but this hypothesis still Over the past few decades, needs to be proven. The team is consulting Imperial China has undergone a substantial The study population was College London, which runs the pioneering Centre for nutritional transition that’s seen comprised of 8,545 adults (average Psychedelic Research. As part of the study, they hope to many people move away from a age 50 years) participating in the investigate whether the drug can be administered as a China Health and Nutrition Survey. one-off or as part of a course. Subjects will be followed for at least six months to see how long the effects of the treatment last. RISK OF LEUKEMIA HIGHER IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME A new study highlighted the risks of leukemia in children with HEART PATIENTS THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY Down syndrome. It pointed to stronger than expected associations TO HAVE DIABETES between Down syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), one Europe, Asia, America, the Middle type of blood cancer. Down syndrome is one of the most common Heart patients are three times more likely to have diabetes East, Australia, and Africa. Patients genetic conditions in the US and Canada. According to the US in comparison to the general were enrolled from 2009 to 2010 and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 6,000 babies population, according to a new study. followed up yearly for five years. with Down syndrome are born in the United States each year. The study shows nearly 30 percent of All adverse clinical outcomes That is approximately one in every 700 babies born in the US and patients with coronary artery disease measured in the study occurred more one in 750 newborns in Canada. Children with Down syndrome have diabetes. That compares to a frequently among heart patients with have a substantially increased risk of multiple health conditions diabetes prevalence of around nine diabetes compared to those without compared to the general population. They have a particularly percent in the general population. diabetes. elevated risk (estimated 150-fold) of developing AML before There was wide geographical When the researchers compared age of five. The study confirmed Down syndrome is a strong risk variation, with 60 percent of heart the likelihood of poor outcomes factor for childhood leukemia. The researchers examined medical disease patients in Gulf countries in those with diabetes compared data of more than 3.9 million children born from 1996-2016 having diabetes compared to 20 to those without, they adjusted the percent in Europe. in seven US healthcare systems or in Ontario, Canada. The data analyses for multiple factors that included the children’s health information from birth to cancer “Obesity and lack of exercise could influence the relationship diagnosis, death, age of 15 years, disenrollment, or December are common risk factors for both including age, sex, smoking status, diabetes and heart disease, and our body mass index, blood pressure, 30, 2016. The study estimated the incidence and hazard ratios of medications, and other conditions. leukemia for children with Down syndrome and other children, results highlight the urgent need to improve nutrition and raise activity After these adjustments, they adjusting for the health system, child’s age at diagnosis, birth year levels globally,” said study author Dr. and sex. It found 2.8 percent of children with Down syndrome found among patients with stable Emmanuelle Vidal-Petiot of Bichat- coronary heart disease, those with were diagnosed with leukemia, compared to 0.05 percent of other Claude Bernard Hospital, Paris, diabetes had a 38 percent higher rate children. Compared to other children, kids with Down syndrome France. of death during the five-year follow- had a higher risk of AML before the age of five and a higher risk Vidal-Petiot added, “Countries up. of acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) regardless of age. In children worst affected by diabetes are also at with Down syndrome, ALL was more common between ages two- They also had a 28 percent higher the epicentre of the obesity epidemic, risk of the combined outcome of four years, while AML was more common in younger kids - the which can be in part attributed to heart attack, stroke, or death from a highest incidence during the first year of life. The study also found urbanisation and associated changes cardiovascular cause. Heart patients males and Hispanic children were more likely to be diagnosed with in physical activity and food intake.” with diabetes had worse outcomes Down syndrome and more likely to develop leukemia than their This was an analysis of the than those without diabetes counterparts. White children have a higher incidence rate of ALL CLARIFY registry, which included regardless of geographic region and and are more likely to have Down syndrome than Black children. 32,694 patients with chronic coronary ethnicity. syndromes from 45 countries in voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 27

LIGHTNING MAY HAVE SPARKED LIFE ON EARTH STUDY FINDS Lightning strikes may have supplied estimated how much schreibersite SCIENCE primordial Earth with enough could have been produced over the & phosphorus to support the emergence eons before and around the time of the of life, according to new research emergence of life on Earth, around 3.5 TECHNOLOGY published last month that offered an billion years ago. alternative explanation about how living organisms were born. “Lightning strikes on early Earth FACEBOOK SHARES TIPS TO KEEP KIDS SAFE ONLINE may have provided a significant Phosphorus is a vital building block amount of reduced phosphorus,” said Amber Hawkes, Head of Safety, or crossing the road, and they should of life as we know it, forming basic Benjamin Hess, lead study author Facebook Asia Pacific shared tips last start early, she suggested. “Children cell structures and the double helix from Yale’s Department of Earth and month that show how parents can are often exposed to devices from birth shape of DNA and RNA. Billions of Planetary Sciences. navigate online safety of and for their - even just observing their parents, so years ago on early Earth, most of the young ones. it’s never too soon to talk about online available phosphorus was locked away Writing in the journal Nature safety.” in insoluble minerals. Communications, Hess and his “It can feel overwhelming trying to colleagues estimated lightning strikes navigate the ever-changing world of Hawkes pointed out as part of However, one mineral, could have produced between 110 online safety with kids, but the most conversations about online safety, schreibersite, is highly reactive and and 11,000 kilograms of phosphorus important thing we can do is to start children should understand access to produces phosphorus capable of a year. a dialogue and keep open channels of devices and the internet comes with forming organic molecules. Since communication,” she told IANSlife. responsibility. They also have a role to most schreibersite on Earth comes Using simulations of the climate play in keeping themselves and others on early Earth, they said while meteor Over the last 12 months most of us from meteorites, the emergence of life safe online, she said. strikes began to decline after the Moon have spent more time online than ever here has long been thought to be tied before. In particular, young people A mother herself, Hawkes admitted to the arrival of extraterrestrial rocks. was formed 4.5 billion years ago, have moved beyond using the internet young people are more vulnerable Schreibersite is also contained within lightning strikes surpassed space rocks just to connect with friends or research online than others. “My job at the glass-like rock formed by lightning for phosphorus production around a school assignment. Facebook is to help keep them safe strikes in some types of clay-rich soils. 3.5 billion years ago. That timing through our products and policies. coincides with the origin of life. The internet has become a lifeline Researchers in the US and Britain Beyond the privacy, safety and Hess said the research didn’t entirely and there have been times where young security features that are available to used state of the art image techniques discount meteorites as another source people have spent the majority of their all Facebook and Instagram users, to analyse the amount of the of life-giving phosphorus. day online during home schooling. we also have a number of additional phosphorus-giving mineral formed While we are fortunate to live in a protections in place to protect minors,” in each lightning strike. They then time where a global pandemic means she stated. minimal interruption to education, Safer Internet Day is an opportunity The Facebook Parent Portal and REFLECTING SUNLIGHT COULD COOL to reflect on what we can do to create a Instagram Parent’s Guide can help better online world for young people. parents and caregivers and include EARTH’S ECOSYSTEM details on how the apps work, tips on Online safety conversations should talking to your kids and advice from Other potential effects of SAI include shifts in rainfall and become part of everyday life just like experts. increases in surface UV rays. Composed of climate scientists and conversations about “stranger danger” ecologists from leading research universities internationally, a team of scientists found more research is needed to understand HUAWEI PLANS TO LAUNCH 6G TECH the ecological impacts of solar radiation modification (SRM) technologies that reflect small amounts of sunlight back into space. BY 2030 Published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, Huawei announced last month the Chinese tech giant researchers in the Climate Intervention Biology Working Group- will launch its 6G networks by around 2030. The tech -including Jessica Hellmann from the University of Minnesota giant’s rotating chairman Eric Xu made the remarks Institute on the Environment--explored the effect of solar climate at Huawei Global Analysts Summit in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province. To address the interventions on ecology. They explored the effect of solar climate importance of 6G to the industry and individuals, interventions on ecology. The team emphasises greenhouse Huawei is going to launch a special white paper on gas emissions reduction and conservation of biodiversity and 6G that would provide the necessary details on the ecosystem functions must be the priority. The team focused on technology for industry regulators and players, said a a specific proposed SRM strategy--referred to as stratospheric news release issued on April 20. Xu said, “First, we are aerosol intervention (SAI))--to create a sulfate aerosol cloud working with other players in the industry to define in the stratosphere to reduce a portion of incoming sunlight what 6G actually is. We want to discuss with businesses and consumers about what 6G will look like. Second, and radiation. In theory, this cloud could be controlled in size driven by our vision and the possible definition of and location. SAI is like placing tiny reflective particles in the 6G, we are also researching basic science and cutting- atmosphere to bounce a portion of the solar radiation back to edge technologies, aiming to realize the 6G that we space so that some of the radiation does not reach--and warm-- define together.” Huawei has been operating in the Earth. “We are just starting to consider the risks and benefits of Asia-Pacific region for over 20 years. Xu added, “We geoengineering, and it’s critical that we include ecosystems in cost- can bring our advanced technologies and hands-on benefit studies,” said Hellmann, director at the U of M Institute experience in digital transformation to every country on the Environment. The complexity of cascading relationships in the region, including their industries, businesses, and governments.” Huawei is a leading global provider between ecosystems and climate under SAI--in combination with of information and communications technology (ICT) the timing, amount, length, and termination of SAI scenarios-- infrastructure and smart devices. Huawei’s end-to-end means SAI is not a simple thermostat that turns down the heat a portfolio of products, solutions, and services are both couple of degrees. Other potential effects of SAI include shifts in competitive and secure. Through open collaboration rainfall and increases in surface UV rays. While SAI might cool an with ecosystem partners, Huawei creates lasting value overheated Earth, it would not be able to counter all the effects of for our customers, working to empower people, enrich rising atmospheric CO2, such as halting ocean acidification. home life, and inspire innovation in organizations of all shapes and sizes. PAGE 28 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021

NEW METHOD TO LENGTHEN LIFESPAN OF NASA SUCCESSFULLY FLIES SMALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES DEVELOPED HELICOPTER ON MARS A research by scientists at the to observe ferroelectric fatigue as NASA, the American space agency successfully flew a small University of Sydney claim to have it occurred. This technique uses an helicopter on Mars last month. The drone, called Ingenuity, was developed a technology that would advanced microscope to “see” in real- airborne for less than a minute, but NASA is celebrating what lengthen the lifespan of electronic time, down to the nanoscale and represents the first powered, controlled flight by an aircraft in devices. This marks a significant atomic levels. another world. Confirmation came via a satellite on Mars which step in the field of materials science, relayed the chopper’s data back to Earth. The space agency is for the first time providing a full The researchers hope this new observation, described in promising more adventurous flights in the days ahead. Ingenuity picture of the occurrence of fatigue will be commanded to fly higher and further as engineers seek to in ferroelectric materials. a paper published in Nature Communications, will help test the limits of the technology. The rotorcraft was carried to Mars Ferroelectric materials are used in better inform the future design of in the belly of NASA’s Perseverance Rover, which touched down many devices, including memories, ferroelectric nanodevices. in Jezero Crater on the Red Planet in February. “We can now say capacitors, actuators, and sensors. that human beings have flown a rotorcraft on another planet,” These devices are commonly used “Our discovery is a significant said a delighted MiMi Aung, project manager for Ingenuity at in both consumer and industrial scientific breakthrough as it shows a NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. clear picture of how the ferroelectric instruments, such as computers, This is a reference to Wilbur and Orville Wright who conducted degradation process is present at the medical ultrasound equipment and the first powered, controlled aircraft flight here on Earth in underwater sonars. nanoscale,” said co-author Professor Xiaozhou Liao, also from the 1903. Ingenuity even carries a small swatch of fabric from one Over time, ferroelectric materials University of Sydney Nano Institute. of the wings of Flyer 1, the aircraft that made that historic flight are subjected to repeated mechanical at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, more than 117 years ago. The and electrical loading, leading Dr. Qianwei Huang, the study’s demonstration saw the Mars-copter rise to just over 3m, hover, to a progressive decrease in their lead researcher, said: “Although it has swivel 96 degrees, hover some more, and then set down. In all, functionality, ultimately resulting in long been known that ferroelectric it managed almost 40 seconds of flight, from take-off to landing. failure. This process is referred to as fatigue can shorten the lifespan of Getting airborne on the Red Planet is not easy. The atmosphere is electronic devices, how it occurs has “ferroelectric fatigue.” very thin, just one percent of the density here at Earth. This gives previously not been well understood, It is the main cause of the failure due to a lack of suitable technology the blades on a rotorcraft very little to bite into to gain lift. There’s of a range of electronic devices, to observe it.” help from the lower gravity at Mars, but still - it takes a lot of work with discarded electronics a leading to get up off the ground. Ingenuity was, therefore, made extremely contributor to e-waste. Globally, The observations by the Sydney light and given the power (a peak power of 350 watts) to turn tens of millions of tonnes of failed researchers could therefore spark a those blades extremely fast - at over 2,500 revolutions per minute electronic devices go to the landfill new debate on whether interfaces- for this particular flight. every year. -which are physical boundaries separating different regions in Using advanced in-situ electron materials--are a viable solution to microscopy, the School of Aerospace, the unreliability of next-generation APPLE ANNOUNCES $200 MILLION Mechanical and Mechatronic devices. Engineering, researchers were able FORESTRY FUND TO REDUCE CARBON Apple announced last month a $200 million fund to invest in timber-producing commercial forestry SHAPE-SHIFTING NANOMATERIAL WITH projects, with the goal of removing carbon from the atmosphere while also generating profit. The restore BIOGENIC CAPABILITIES INVENTED fund, launched in partnership with conservation International and Goldman Sachs, expected to have its Scientists have developed a new Collagen is the main structural nanomaterial that can trigger shape protein in the body’s connective first projects targeted later this year. “Nature provides lift from sheets to tubes and back in a tissue, such as cartilage, bones, some of the best tools to remove carbon from the controllable fashion. tendons, ligaments, and skin. It is atmosphere,” Apple vice president of environment, also abundant in blood vessels, the policy and social initiatives Lisa Jackson said in a The tool is reported to have a gut, muscles, and in other parts of the range of biomedical applications, body. statement on April 15. Forests draw in carbon from from controlled-release drug delivery the air, storing it away and stopping the gas from to tissue engineering. Collagen taken from other contributing to climate change. The fund aims to remove mammals, such as pigs, is sometimes The Journal of the American used for wound healing and other one million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually Chemical Society published a medical applications in humans. from the atmosphere, equal to the amount spewed by description of the nanomaterial Conticello’s lab is one of only about more than 200,000 passenger vehicles. Apple said last which in sheet form is 10,000 times a few dozen around the world year it would become carbon neutral by 2030 for all its thinner than the width of a human focused on developing synthetic hair and made of synthetic collagen. collagen suitable for applications operations, including manufacturing. The California- Naturally, occurring collagen is the in biomedicine and other complex based iPhone maker said its goal is to have no climate most abundant protein in humans, technologies. Such synthetic designer making the new material intrinsically impact for all its devices sold. “Investing in nature can biomaterials can be controlled in remove carbon far more effectively—and much sooner biocompatible. ways that natural collagen cannot. — than any other current technology,” conservation Vincent Conticello, senior author The development of the new international chef executive M. Sanjayan said in a joint of the finding and Emory professor shape-shifting nanomaterial at Emory of biomolecular chemistry at Emory was “a fortuitous accident” according release. “As the world faces the global threat climate University, said, “For the first time, to the researchers. change presents, we need innovative new approaches we can convert it from sheets to that can dramatically reduce emissions.” Also, on April tubes and back simply by varying The collagen protein is composed the pH, or acid concentration, in its of a triple helix of fibers that wrap 15 Google unveiled a time-lapse feature to its Google environment.” around one another like a three- Earth service that provides a satellite view of the world. stranded rope. The strands are not The Emory Office of Technology The new feature is based on tens of millions of satellite flexible, they’re stiff like pencils, images from the past 37 years to enable users to see in Transfer has applied for a provisional and they pack together tightly in a patent for the nanomaterial. crystalline array. rich detail how the face of the planet has changed. voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 29

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CONVERT COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES INTO HOMES In its budget announcement on “The feasibility has to start from April 19, the federal government of more of a macro view,” he said. Canada indicated it will address the “The location of the property, the country’s red-hot housing market physical attributes of the property, by having property owners convert the proximity to complementary commercial buildings, left vacant facilities, and amenities. If that due to the pandemic, into livable checks all the boxes, then you have spaces, but industry watchers to look at the actual construction of question whether that plan is the building you want to convert TORONTO NEEDS MORE FAMILY-FOCUSED CONDOS realistic. and how much additional work you have to do.” The Liberals hinted that $1.3 Multigenerational living is bedroom condo in downtown Toronto commonplace in Asia, but this isn’t the didn’t yield much, save for in the 1,500 billion of previously announced A big problem with converting case in Toronto. However, a change sq ft luxury category, which isn’t what funding will be reallocated to create office spaces is planning, since is coming in the short years ahead. the family was in the market for. When more homes. Of that, $300 million those buildings don’t have sufficient Aoyuan International’s Canadian arm Yang joined Aoyuan, he’d helped steer will be dedicated to converting plumbing to support housing is building M2M on Yonge St. in a very the company towards family-focused vacant commercial properties into units, and a developer would have dense North York neighbourhood, developments, noting their paucity in 800 units of market rental housing. to account for that when adding but unlike typical condominium the Canadian market. Despite initial developments in the city, M2M is scepticism, the company decided to suitable kitchens and washrooms. “As the demand for retail and a master-planned community that’s buck the trend, which had theretofore emphasized the need for family-sized been to build condo units for investors office space has changed due Office spaces do have anunits. and students. to COVID, some landlords, advantage in that their open-floor particularly in major urban cores, are concepts can allow developers to In Asia, master-planned At M2M, a daycare with a glass facing higher vacancies,” the budget create a variety of unit sizes, whereas communities comprising 20-30 wall is next to the gym, so both stated. “This is an opportunity for hotels are restricted to existing buildings are the norm but M2M will child and parent have peace of mind only have five, although they’ll total knowing where the other is at all property owners and communities room sizes unless major renovations about 2,000 units. times. Although there’s an outdoor to explore converting excess space are done. Even though office space kitchen for communal meals, the into rental housing, enhancing the vacancies have risen nationally over When Yang moved to Toronto with playroom is indoors. The master- livability and affordability of urban the past four quarters, it’s still too his wife and six-month-old son, he planned community also has co- found the family a one-bedroom-plus- working space, retail, and office units, communities.” early to tell if the death of the office den condo, which he loved because his warrants a ramp-up in housing too, because, as Yang says, the point of Qaiser Mian, senior director of 10-minute walk to work meant he had such communities is convenience and conversions, Mian said. In the first more time to spend with his family research, valuations and advisory at optimizing family time, part of which quarter of 2021, downtown office each night. That included countless can be spent at the 43,000 square foot Altus Group Ltd., said hotels would vacancies across the country rose to sunsets by Lake Ontario and taking community centre. seem to be the most optimal type of 14.3 percent, up from 13 percent his son to Ripley’s Aquarium three times a week. The first phase of M2M was one commercial property to make such the previous quarter, according to a change. of Toronto’s fastest selling condo CBRE data. By the time Yang’s daughter was projects in 2018, and Yang’s anecdote born three years later, the family’s about their 1,003 sq ft, three-bedroom condo was no longer sufficiently sized. model unit might explain why. Yang’s subsequent search for a three- UK PROPERTY SALES AT 16-YEAR HIGH AS HOUSE PRICES SOAR CENTRAL CANADIAN HOME PRICES The number of homes sold in £15,000. In Wales and Scotland, the the UK hit a record high in March threshold was temporarily increased SAW MAJOR GAINS IN Q1 as buyers and sellers attempted to to £250,000. Housing prices in major Central Canadian markets saw double- complete deals before the end of the Buyers scrambled to complete digit growth last quarter, according to a new report from Royal LePage. stamp duty holiday. About 180,690 In the Greater Toronto Area, aggregate home prices were up by 13.1 deals in the early months of this transactions were recorded during the percent year-over-year in Q1 to $989,961. Two-story homes saw 13.6 year before the deadline, and today’s month according to official figures percent price gains to reach $1,164,894, and while bungalows rose by from HMRC, double the total in figures reflect those sales. HMRC’s 15.3 percent to $982,120, condominiums only climbed 1.2 percent March 2020 and the highest number figures, which are not seasonally to $598,819. In the City of Toronto, the overall price of a home rose since it started publishing the data in adjusted, show transactions leapt by by 7.4 percent year-over-year to $984,709 in Q1-2021. Two-story this way in 2005. 49.6 percent over the month and that homes were up by 11.8 percent to $1,550,577 and bungalows increased the 399,060 sales in the first quarter by 14.7 percent to $1,061,534, but the median price of 416 condos Separate data from the Office for of the year made it the busiest quarter declined slightly by 0.6 percent to $637,551. Royal LePage expects National Statistics (ONS) suggested since the spring of 2006, when condo sales in the GTA to increase by autumn when the door reopens the fevered activity had pushed up 419,270 homes changed hands. to immigrants, and both domestic and international students return to the cost of homes. The UK average school. In Q4-2021, Royal LePage anticipates the aggregate price of a house price rose by 8.6 percent The ONS figures put the average GTA home will increase by 11 percent year-over-year. Canada’s second- over the year to February. This is price of a home in the UK at largest metropolitan region, greater Montreal area, saw the average the highest annual growth rate in £250,000 in February, an increase price of a home increase by 19.7 percent last quarter to $534,026, the market since October 2014 and of £20,000 over the same month of with two-story homes surging 21.5 percent to $681,768, bungalows comes despite coronavirus lockdowns last year. The average in England shooting up 20.2 percent to $420,699 , and condos increasing by 14.7 around the country restricting rose by 8.7 percent over the year to percent to $398,705. In Montreal proper, the average price of homes viewings and forcing lenders and £268,000, in Wales by 8.4 percent rose by 11.1 percent year-over-year to $635,907 in Q1-2021. Two-story solicitors to work from home. to £180,000, in Scotland by eight homes in the city increased in price to a median of $888,021, up by percent to £162,000 and in Northern 15.7 percent year-over-year, and bungalows increased 12.3 percent to The housing market has been Ireland by 5.3 percent to £148,000. $594,437, while Montreal Island condo prices averaged of $455,433, fuelled by stamp duty cuts across up by 7.8 percent last quarter compared from Q1-2020. Royal LePage the UK, which were brought in The northwest of England forecasts the average home price in the Greater Montreal Area to rise to support the market after the recorded the highest annual growth by 16 percent in Q4-2021. The average price of a home in Canada’s initial lockdown. It was originally with an 11.9 percent increase, and capital, Ottawa grew by 16.1 percent year-over-year to $589,240 in the intended to end on 31 March. In there were also double-digit increases first quarter of the year, and broken down by housing type, two-story England and Northern Ireland, the in the east Midlands and Yorkshire homes were up 18.6 percent to $630,969, followed by bungalows rising level at which the tax kicks in was and the Humber. London recorded by 15.1 percent to $604,931, and condos increasing by 5.2 percent to temporarily increased to £500,000, the lowest growth of the English $385,040. Royal LePage expects the average home price in the city will offering buyers a saving of up to regions, with a 4.6 percent increase. increase 14 percent year-over-year in the last quarter of 2021. PAGE 30 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021

BANK WATCHDOG PROPOSES STIFFER AVERAGE PRICE OF UK HOME JUMPS TO RECORD MORTGAGE RULES HIGH OF £254,606 The average price of a UK home jumped by 1.1 percent in Canada’s bank regulator is economists. Cheap mortgages and March to a record high of £254,606 as government measures proposing to tighten mortgage new remote-working conditions have qualification rules to make it more spurred a frenzy of demand for more to support the market continued to drive interest from buyers. difficult for home buyers to secure spacious homes, with house hunters The latest monthly snapshot of the market from Halifax showed financing. This move is aimed bidding up prices across the country. since March 2020, house prices rose by 6.5 percent, or £15,430 at easing financial stability risks in cash terms. The monthly increase is the first since November. stemming from a booming real estate The Canadian Real Estate Russell Galley, the managing director of Halifax, said the housing market. Association calculates prices are up 17 percent nationally over the past market had “enjoyed something of a resurgence during March.” The Office of the Superintendent 12 months. Twelve major markets— The figures are based on mortgages that have been approved by of Financial Institutions (OSFI) said or about one quarter of the total— the lender, not completed sales. In early March, the chancellor, it will set up a new benchmark interest have posted price gains of more than rate used to determine whether 30 percent. Rishi Sunak, announced he was extending a stamp duty holiday people will qualify for an uninsured in England and Northern Ireland that had been due to finish at The move impacts the uninsured mortgage to a minimum rate of 5.25 the end of the month, and launched a guarantee scheme to bring mortgage space that is overseen by percent. The current threshold, based back 95 percent mortgages. Galley said: “The continuation of on posted rates of the country’s six OSFI. The federal government is in largest lenders, is at 4.79 percent. charge of mortgage qualification for government support measures has been key in boosting confidence insured mortgages. There was no in the housing market. The extended stamp duty holiday has put “Sound residential mortgage indication in the statement that the another spring in the step of home movers, while for those saving underwriting is always important for government planned to follow the the safety and stability of financial move, and requests for comment hard to buy their first home, the new mortgage guarantee scheme institutions,” Jeremy Rudin, head of from the finance department weren’t provides an alternative route onto the property ladder.” Jeremy the Ottawa-based agency, said in a immediately returned. Leaf, a London estate agent and former residential chairman of statement. One unintended consequence the chartered surveyors’ association, RICS, said the market had The move comes amid a surge could be to temporarily accelerate the been boosted by the measures. Andrew Wishart, a property in housing prices that’s raising market as buyers rush in before the economist at the consultancy Capital Economics, said the March concern among policy makers and changes are implemented. increase recorded by Halifax was likely to mark the start of a strong summer. He added: “The reimposition of stamp duty and the end of the furlough scheme will eventually cool the market towards the TORONTO’S CONDO RENTAL MARKET end of the year. But continued low interest rates, good mortgage affordability, and a strong economic rebound should prevent the SHOWS VITALITY boom being followed by a bust.”

Toronto’s condo rental market rents, at $2,053, dropped by 6.7 has shown signs of strength, percent, marking the first time according to a Q1 Urbanation that’s ever happened. WAREHOUSE SPACE SEEN RUNNING report that revealed, at 11,928 units leased, transactions surged City of Toronto rents were OUT IN CANADA by 70 percent over Q1-2020. higher on a per square foot basis Listings declined by 12 percent at $2.98 compared to $2.67 in the Canada is in danger of running April 2020 from the rate before the from Q4-2020 and brought the 905. out of warehouse space this year, due pandemic, the bank said in a report. to the boom in e-commerce amid ratio of quarterly condo leases-to- Purpose-built rental buildings the pandemic. While a near-record With the country now battling a listings to 61 percent—the highest registered as far back as 2005 saw renewed surge of COVID-19 cases since the COVID-19 pandemic 26.1 million square feet (2.4 million vacancies increase by 6.6 percent and restrictions, the conditions that struck in March of last year. square meters) of logistics real estate GTA-wide at the conclusion of Q1- have made e-commerce a central part 2021, according to Urbanation’s is under construction, much of it is However, it remains 10 already leased, according to a report of Canadians’ routines seem likely to percentage points below the survey data, increasing from 5.7 persist for at least a little longer. The percent one quarter earlier and 1.1 released on April 6 by commercial- decade-year average, although it’s property brokerage CBRE Ltd. trend has prompted businesses to snap at least broaching the lower end of percent from the same quarter last up industrial real estate at a record balanced market conditions. year. With vacancy rates for existing clip. About 10.4 million square feet In the City of Toronto, purpose- warehouses at historic lows, it may of warehouse space was leased across “In a sign that the urban soon become nearly impossible for Canada in the first three months of rental market may be starting a built rental vacancies rose to 8.8 businesses to find places to store their this year, the CBRE report shows. comeback, the City of Toronto percent last quarter from 7.3 percent in the fourth quarter of goods. outperformed the 905 Region in Vacancy rates in the largest cities— terms of annual growth in lease last year, and from 1.1 percent in Q1 of 2020. However, the vacancy “There’s a significant amount Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal— activity in Q1 by a wide margin of of industrial space that’s needed tightened to the lowest levels in all 78 percent versus 46 percent,” said rate in the 905 was 1.5 percent last quarter. just to keep up with the change in North America, the brokerage said. the report. behaviour toward e-commerce,” said With new development coming Furthermore, average monthly In the GTA, rental supply hit Kyle Hanna, executive vice president online too slowly to fill the gap in rents increased month-over- 100,000 units, and while there of CBRE’s industrial and logistics those cities, landlords may have to month in both February and was deceleration in new rental business. consider converting retail and office March (each by more than one construction activity, long-term buildings left largely unused during percent), suggesting the market planning for purpose-built rentals Canada lagged behind other the pandemic into logistics hubs, reached its low in January at about picked up. developed countries in e-commerce according to Hanna. adoption heading into the pandemic, $2,000 and is already on the path There were 1,009 new rental to recovery.” but more recently, online sales have In one such deal, Amazon Canada units that began construction at grown faster than in other Western Fulfillment Services spent $40 million Rents averaged $2,037 last the conclusion of last quarter, nations, according to researchers at (US $32 million) last month to buy quarter in the Greater Toronto which is a 73 percent decrease JP Morgan Chase & Co. 40 acres (16 hectares) in the Toronto Area and $2,033 in the City of from 3,735 starts during the same suburb of Pickering that had been time last year. Toronto, year-on-year declines The share of shoppers who made home to a local flea market, according of 14 percent and 16.2 percent, at least 40 percent of their purchases to records from data provider Altus respectively; in the 905, average online more than doubled by Group. voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 31

GLOBAL ECONOMY TO STAGE VIGOROUS RECOVERY The global economy will recover notwithstanding the continuing this year from its coronavirus slump battle against COVID-19. Every at a pace not seen since the 1970s, economy we cover is projected to according to Reuters polls of over register a meaningful rebound in 500 economists. The optimism was annual average GDP growth this largely led by the widely expected year,” noted Janet Henry, global chief CHINA GDP GROWS AT RECORD vaccine-driven recovery, massive economist at HSBC. liquidity injections, unprecedented fiscal support - primarily by the The devastating pandemic pushed 18.3 PERCENT IN Q1 United States, with more in the the world economy into its deepest- China’s economic recovery pickup in consumption that comes pipeline - and continued adaptation ever recession last year, but the poll quickened sharply in the first quarter despite sporadic COVID-19 cases in of economic activity to overcome showed a sharp rebound with the from a coronavirus-induced slump some cities. subdued mobility. global economy predicted to grow earlier last year, because of stronger on average 5.9 percent this year, demand at home and abroad and On a quarterly basis, growth With many countries still facing the fastest since the 1970s. That continued government support for slowed to 0.6 percent in January- challenges from the pandemic, when compared to 5.3 percent expected smaller firms. March from a revised 3.2 percent in asked on the likelihood of a renewed in January and a sharp upgrade the previous quarter, the data showed. spike in coronavirus cases derailing compared to expectations from a year Gross domestic product (GDP) the global economic recovery this ago when the pandemic took hold. jumped a record 18.3 percent in the March industrial output grew year, economists were split in the first quarter from a year earlier, official 14.1 percent year-on-year, slowing Reuters polls taken over the past While the latest consensus is just data showed on April 23. This was from a 35.1 percent surge in the month. a touch below the International slower than the 19 percent forecast January-February period and lagging Monetary Fund’s six percent by economists in a Reuters poll and at 17.2 percent on-year rise forecast However, 2021 growth views for projection, nearly 30 percent of 74 followed a 6.5 percent growth in the by analysts in a Reuters poll. 55 percent of 44 economies polled economists predicted world GDP fourth quarter of last year. were upgraded from three months growth in excess of the IMF’s forecast. Retail sales increased 34.2 percent ago, led by the US economy - which While the reading is heavily skewed year-on-year in March, beating a 28.0 was predicted to mark the fastest Over 85 percent of economists, by the plunge in activity a year earlier, percent gain expected by analysts and annual expansion since 1984 - and or 152 of 178, said in response to the increase is the strongest since at stronger than the 33.8 percent jump China, set to return to pre-crisis an additional question, the recovery least 1992, when official quarterly seen in the first two months of the levels this year. would be faster than previously records started. year. expected or about the same pace “A synchronised global versus the remaining 26 predicting a Aided by strict virus containment Fixed asset investment surged 25.6 economic recovery is underway, slower pace of rebound. measures and emergency relief percent in the first three months from for businesses, the economy has the same period a year earlier, versus recovered steadily from a steep 6.8 a forecast 25.0 percent increase and percent slump in the first three slowing from January-February’s 35 RUSSIA’S CENTRAL BANK DELIVERS months of 2020, when an outbreak percent increase. of COVID-19 in the central city The world’s second-largest SURPRISE INTEREST RATE CUT of Wuhan turned into a full blown economy is expected to grow 8.6 epidemic. percent, according to a Reuters poll, Russia’s central bank raised its cost of lending further after slashing The recovery has been led by following a 2.3 percent increase last key interest rate to five percent last the key rate to a record low of 4.25 export strength as factories raced year, which was its weakest in 44 month, a bigger-than-expected jump percent in 2020, when the economy to fill overseas orders and a steady years but still made China the only against the background of a weak took a hit from a plunge in prices for major economy to avoid contraction. rouble, high inflation and geopolitical oil, Russia’s main export. risks, signalling that more rate hikes would follow. The coronavirus pandemic has also buffeted the economy, which is The decision to raise the rate on track to recover this year. Lower HONDA AIMING FOR 100 PERCENT from 4.5 percent was at odds with rates support the economy through projections from the majority of cheaper lending but can also fan ELECTRIC VEHICLES BY 2040 analysts polled by Reuters news inflation and make the rouble more Japanese car giant Honda said last month it would aim to agency, who predicted a moderate vulnerable to external shocks. have electric and fuel cell vehicles account for 100 percent of 25-basis-point increase after a new wave of sanctions hit the rouble, The Russian currency fell in April, all sales by 2040 to promote climate goals. The automaker’s and inflation showed little signs of decoupling from moves in other newly appointed CEO Toshihiro Mibe described the target slowing. emerging markets as well as in the on April 23 as “challenging” but said the firm wanted to price of crude oil, as it was hammered “set high goals.” Honda said it wants the ratio of electric “The rapid recovery of demand by fears of United States sanctions and elevated inflationary pressure and Russia’s military build-up near vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles sold in major markets call for an earlier return to neutral Ukraine. to hit 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2035, before monetary policy,” the bank said in a hitting 100 percent globally by 2040. It has unveiled five statement on April 23. Relations with the US and Europe worsened significantly this month trillion yen (US $46 billion) in investments in its research The central bank raised the rate for with sanctions and diplomatic and development to reach the goals. The announcement came the second time this year as inflation, expulsions, but tensions over Ukraine a day after Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Japan would its main area of responsibility, have eased considerably in the last aim to cut emissions 46 percent by 2030, significantly more accelerated to 5.8 percent in March, two days with a pullback of Russian its highest since 2016. The central forces from near the border. than previously pledged. The new target revised a previous bank said inflation will be in the goal of cutting emissions by 26 percent from 2013 levels by range of 4.7 to 5.2 percent as of the The rouble extended recent 2030. The pledge came with international focus on climate end of 2021, returning to its four gains after the rate move, hitting 74.76 against the US dollar versus change as United States President Joe Biden hosts a summit percent target only in the middle of to encourage stronger action on warming and faster moves 2022, later than previously expected. levels of around 75 seen before the announcement. The next rate-setting towards carbon neutrality. The bank will consider raising the meeting is scheduled for June 11. PAGE 32 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021

SAUDI ARABIA BANS LEBANESE BREXIT SPARKS £1T UK ASSETS PRODUCE OVER DRUG SMUGGLING SWITCH TO EU Saudi Arabia announced last by the official SPA news agency. The month the suspension of fruit and restrictions will remain in place until UK banks and insurers have shifted more than £1.0 vegetable imports from Lebanon, Lebanon provides “sufficient and trillion to the European Union in response to Brexit, saying shipments were being used for reliable guarantees” to put an end to according to a study. More than 440 firms operating in drug smuggling and accusing Beirut what it called “systematic smuggling the UK banking and finance sector have relocated parts of inaction. operations targeting the kingdom.” of their business, moved staff, or established new EU The decision announced on April The move comes after Saudi entities in response to Brexit, according to the study 23 is a blow to Lebanon, which authorities have made repeated from think-tank New Financial published on April is facing its worst economic crisis appeals to their Lebanese counterparts 23.The total £1.0 trillion is equivalent to $1.4 trillion or since the 1975-1990 civil war. Its on the matter, the SPA said. agriculture minister said the move 1.2 trillion euros. “While this is the most comprehensive was a “great loss,” and the trade was Saudi customs authorities at analysis yet of the impact of Brexit on the city, we think worth $24 million a year. Jeddah had foiled an attempt it is an underestimate: we are only at the end of the to smuggle in more than 5.3 The local currency has dived by million Captagon pills, hidden beginning of Brexit,” New Financial warned in a report more than 85 percent on the black in pomegranate shipments from published almost four months after Britain left the EU. market, inflation is rampant, and Lebanon, said Mohammed bin Ali British-based banks have shunted in excess of £900 more than half the country now lives al-Naim, undersecretary for security billion in assets into the bloc, or ten percent of total in poverty. Its economic collapse affairs at Saudi Customs, according UK bank assets, according to its analysis. Insurers have is being compounded by political to the SPA. deadlock, with politicians unable to shifted more than £100 billion. ’s departure form a government to unlock much- Captagon is an amphetamine from the single market ended access to the so-called needed foreign aid. manufactured in Lebanon and financial passport, which had allowed UK firms to probably also in Syria and Iraq, Authorities “have noticed mainly for consumption in Saudi offer their services across Europe. London and Brussels increased drug smuggling activity Arabia, according to the French signed a memorandum of understanding on financial targeting the kingdom from Lebanon Observatory for Drugs and Drug services last month but have yet to address the topic of … especially in vegetables and fruit Addiction (OFDT). equivalence, which allows UK-based firms to operate consignments,” the Saudi interior ministry said. Lebanese media quoted the head on the European continent. Britain finalised its divorce of the country’s fruit and vegetable from the European Union on December 31 after Riyadh will ban the entry or exporters, Naeem Khalil, as saying clinching a last-gasp trade deal that did not include the transit of those products through the the seized cargo could not have kingdom beginning Sunday at 9 a.m. been Lebanese but had transited via powerhouse financial services sector. “Getting Brexit local time, it said in a statement carried Lebanon from Syria. done is only the end of the beginning of the process: given the limited equivalence arrangements in place, over time we expect there to be a drip-feed of business ALIBABA SLAPPED WITH RECORD $2.7 and activity from the UK to the EU,” the London-based BILLION FINE think-tank added. Following Brexit, Amsterdam has also overtaken the British capital in European equity Chinese tech giant Alibaba said business costs faced by merchants on trading. last month it accepted a record e-commerce platforms. penalty imposed by the country’s anti-monopoly regulator. Regulators The group does not expect any slapped a $2.8 billion fine after a material impact on its business probe determined it had abused its from the change of exclusivity 2021 NET AIRLINE INDUSTRY market position for years. The fine arrangements imposed by regulators. amounts to about four percent of the The penalty is the latest in a chain LOSSES TO NARROW DOWN company’s 2019 domestic revenue. of events targeting the company Global airline industry’s net losses are expected to narrow that kicked off last October, after Alibaba Group’s executive its co-founder Jack Ma criticized down in 2021, the International Air Transport Association vice chairman Joe Tsai indicated regulators, suggesting they were (IATA) said. IATA expects net airline industry losses of regulators have taken an interest in stifling innovation. $47.7 billion in 2021 - an improvement in the estimated net platforms like Alibaba as they grow industry loss of $126.4 billion in 2020, Indo-Asian News in importance. Shortly after the speech, Chinese regulators scuppered the share market Service reports. “Despite an estimated 2.4 billion people “We’re happy to get the matter launch of Ant Group, which is travelling by air in 2021, airlines will burn through a further behind us, but the tendency is that Alibaba’s sister company and China’s $81 billion of cash,” IATA director general Willie Walsh said. regulators will be keen to look at biggest electronic payments provider. In terms of revenue, IATA expects the industry to earn a total some of the areas where you might Ant Group was expected to be last have unfair competition,” he told an year’s biggest share market launch on $458 billion. This would be 55 percent of the $838 billion investor call on April 12. the Hong Kong exchange. generated in 2019 but represents 23 percent growth on the $372 billion generated in 2020. Besides, IATA said that travel The company added it was not Alibaba isn’t the only Chinese aware of any further anti-monopoly company to come under scrutiny restrictions, including quarantines, have reduced demand. It investigations by Chinese regulators, by China’s increasingly assertive estimates travel, measured in revenue passenger kilometres or though it signalled Alibaba and its regulators. In March, China’s RPKs, will recover to 43 percent of 2019 levels over the year. competitors would remain under State Administration for Market Notably, the 2021 RPK will be a 26 percent improvement review in China over mergers and Regulation (SAMR) said it had fined acquisitions. 12 companies over 10 deals that on 2020 but is far from a recovery. “Domestic markets will violated anti-monopoly rules. The improve faster than international travel,” IATA said. “Overall The main issue for regulators was companies included Tencent, Baidu, passenger numbers are expected to reach 2.4 billion in 2021. Alibaba planned to restrict merchants Didi Chuxing and SoftBank - which from doing business or running That is an improvement on the nearly 1.8 billion who travelled are among the largest tech companies in 2020 but well below the 2019 peak of 4.5 billion.” promotions on rival platforms. The in the world. company said it would introduce measures to lower entry barriers and voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 33

REUTERS NAMES ITS FIRST FEMALE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Last month Reuters News named Journal, Galloni takes the helm as corporation’s three largest businesses: one of its top editors, Alessandra the news agency faces an array of providing information, software and Galloni, as its next editor-in-chief, challenges. services to lawyers, corporations and the first woman to lead the globe- the tax and accounting profession. spanning news agency in its 170-year Some of these are common to all history. news media. Others are specific to Hasker’s strategy has helped boost the organisation’s complexity: With Thomson Reuters stock to all-time A native of Rome, Galloni, 47, a worldwide staff of some 2,450 highs. Reuters News comprises about replaced Stephen J. Adler, who journalists, Reuters serves a range of 10 percent of Thomson Reuters’ total retired last month after leading the divergent customers and is also a unit $5.9 billion in revenues. newsroom for the past decade. Under in a much larger information-services She returned to Reuters in 2013 his leadership, Reuters has received business. Galloni takes the helm after serving following about 13 years at The Wall hundreds of journalism awards, as a global managing editor of Reuters, Street Journal, where she specialised in including seven Pulitzer Prizes, the Since 2008 Reuters has been overseeing journalists in 200 locations economics and business coverage as a industry’s highest honour. part of Thomson Reuters Corp., a around the world. At the beginning reporter and editor in London, Paris corporation with more lucrative and of her career, she worked at the and Rome. A speaker of four languages, and faster growing segments than news. Reuters Italian-language news service. with broad experience covering Its chief executive, Steve Hasker, who She received degrees from Harvard business and political news at Reuters joined Thomson Reuters last year, has University and the London School of and previously at the Wall Street focused on aggressively expanding the Economics. HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF WOMEN LIVING FRENCH VOTE IN FAVOUR OF HIJAB LIVES GOVERNED BY OTHERS BAN CONDEMNED Almost half of women in some 57 countries do not have the A bid by the French Senate to ban Age to consent to hijab: 18. Let that sink power to make choices over their healthcare, contraception, or sex girls under 18 from wearing the hijab in in. It isn’t a law against the hijab. It’s a lives, a new United Nations report revealed last month. According public drew condemnation last month, law against Islam. #Handsoffmyhijab to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA)’s State of World Population with the hashtag #HandsOffMyHijab #FranceHijabBan,” one Twitter user report, the lack of bodily autonomy may have worsened during the circulated widely on social media. wrote. coronavirus pandemic, placing record numbers of women and girls The hijab is a headscarf worn by at risk of gender-based violence and harmful practices such as early many Muslim women and has been The National Assembly, France’s the subject of a decades-long feud in lower chamber, which is dominated by marriage. “The fact that nearly half of women still cannot make their France. President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist own decisions about whether or not to have sex, use contraception La République En Marche (LREM) or seek healthcare, should outrage us all,” Natalia Kanem, UNFPA The French Senate’s move comes party, voted overwhelmingly in favour Executive Director, said in a news release on April 14 announcing as part of Paris’s push to introduce of the bill on February 16 before it an “anti-separatism” bill, which it was passed up to the conservative-led the findings. The report also noted a woman’s power to control her says aims to bolster the country’s Senate. own body is linked to how much control she has in other spheres of secular system. However, critics have her life, with higher autonomy associated with advances in health denounced the move, arguing it singles The legislation has been debated and education, income and safety. Amongst its findings, the report out the minority Muslim population. in a highly charged atmosphere in documented several ways through which bodily autonomy of not France after three attacks late last year, While debating the proposed including the beheading on October only women and girls, but also men and boys, is violated, with legislation on March 30, senators 16 of teacher Samuel Paty, who had factors such as disability worsening the situation. For instance, approved an amendment to the bill shown his students caricatures of the girls and boys with disabilities are nearly three times more likely to calling for the “prohibition in the Prophet Muhammad during a lesson be subjected to sexual violence, with girls at the greatest risk, the public space of any conspicuous on free speech. The law does not report said. It also noted punitive legal environments, combined religious sign by minors and of any specifically mention the word Islam, with stigma, discrimination and high levels of violence, placed dress or clothing which would signify but French Muslims have protested for inferiority of women over men.” months against it, saying several of its gay men and other men who have sex with men, at high risk of measures single them out. HIV infection because they are driven underground out of fear The ban is not yet law, with France’s of prosecution or other negative consequences. As a result, they National Assembly required to sign Amnesty International warned do not receive appropriate health education and are reluctant to off on the change before it can take in March the proposed law posed a seek healthcare services, testing and treatment. The report added effect. A backlash to the amendment “serious attack on rights and freedoms was swift, with some suggesting the in France” and called for “many some 20 countries or territories have so-called “marry-your-rapist” proposed rule amounted to a “law problematic provisions” of the bill to laws, where a man can escape criminal prosecution if he marries against Islam.” be scrapped or amended. the woman or girl he has raped, while 43 countries do not have legislation addressing the issue of marital rape. “Age to consent to sex in France: 15 MOZAMBIQUE ARMED MEN BEHEAD CHILDREN Children as young as 11 were beheaded him,” the 28-year-old, past year. Beheadings have been a Children said. beheaded in Mozambique in violence who Save the Children called Elsa, is hallmark of their attacks. that has killed thousands and quoted as saying. Last month the United States displaced many more in a northern Throughout 2020 the insurgents declared the Mozambique group a region torn by an Islamist insurgency. “We couldn’t do anything because began regularly engaging the military foreign terrorist organisation over we would be killed, too.” Another to capture and hold key towns. its links to Islamic State, saying the UK-based aid group Save the mother, a 29-year-old Save the Brutality also continued, with mass group reportedly pledged allegiance Children said on March 16 it had Children calls Amelia, said her son killings including the murder of to it as early as 2018. Islamic State spoken to displaced families who was just 11 when he was killed by around 52 people at once in the claimed its first attack in Cabo described “horrifying scenes” of armed men. Save the Children said village of Xitaxi in April. Delgado in June 2019. murder, including mothers whose it could not specify who carried out young sons were killed. In one case, the beheading. Altogether almost 2,700 people Amnesty International found the woman hid, helpless, with her on all sides have died in the violence, earlier in March war crimes were three other children as her 12-year- Mozambique’s northernmost according to the Armed Conflict being committed by all sides in the old was murdered nearby. province of Cabo Delgado has been Location and Event Data Project conflict, with government forces home to a festering insurgency since (ACLED), a consultancy that tracks also responsible for abuses against “We tried to escape to the woods, 2017, linked to Islamic State, that political violence. Almost 670,000 civilians - a charge the government but they took my eldest son and has escalated dramatically in the people have been displaced, Save the has denied. PAGE 34 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021

HOPES AND FEARS OF MOTHER- ERITREAN SOLDIERS KILLED HUNDREDS TO-BE IN AFGHANISTAN OF CIVILIANS IN TIGRAY Eritrean forces killed hundreds of massacre began on November 28 after A woman in Afghanistan is passing days amid hopes and fears children and civilians in a November Tigrayan militia members, joined for her unborn daughter in a country where the birth of a girl massacre in neighbouring Ethiopia’s by some residents, attacked Eritrean can often be a curse rather than a blessing. Women and girls, in war-hit Tigray region, Human Rights soldiers, HRW said. After calling in particular, often suffer abuse at the hands of men in a male-driven Watch (HRW) said last month. reinforcements, the Eritreans began “moving through the town, going society where boys are sometimes valued above girls. Arifa Omid The HRW report released on March house to house, searching for young works for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Afghanistan 5 was the second major analysis on men and boys, and executing them.” where one in three girls is married before their 18th birthday and Eritrean abuses in the town of Axum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Like Amnesty, HRW said it was only 19 percent of females under 15 years old are literate. She has impossible to provide an exact death written this letter to her unborn child. “My lovely baby, I haven’t An Amnesty International toll but estimated that “over 200 investigation into the same events civilians were most likely killed on met you yet, but I already know how beautiful you are—with your detailed how Eritrean troops “went dark eyes, smiling face, soft, brown hair and golden heart. I have November 28-29 alone.” That would on a rampage and systematically killed make the Axum massacre one of the dreamed of having you my entire life. “I count the days and nights hundreds of civilians in cold blood.” deadliest atrocities of the conflict so until I will finally hold you in my arms and love you as much as I The findings from the rights far. can. Now you are only seven months, and I can feel you when you watchdogs come as global concern Since the publication of Amnesty’s move. ‘Naughty daughter,’ I laugh quietly to myself. “Afghanistan mounts over atrocities by Eritrean report, Abiy’s government has said is a tough place to be a girl. Just two months ago, I cried for a troops in Tigray. Last month UN federal investigators are probing leaders accused the Eritreans of mother who had just given birth to a baby girl. The father killed his “credible allegations” of atrocities and possible crimes against humanity and abuses including in Axum. wife because she delivered a baby girl. He escaped with the baby. urged them to pull out. Addis Ababa I really can’t process the suffering and fear this mother endured. and Asmara deny Eritrea is actively The government has also tried She had the most painful time delivering her baby—I know how involved in Tigray. to cast doubt on Amnesty’s findings and accused it of “reinforcing the hard it is for a woman to deliver at home without any healthcare Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed misinformation and propaganda by facilities.” Then, after enduring labour and birth, she waited for announced military operations against TPLF and its cohorts.” the leadership of the Tigray People’s her husband and relatives to congratulate her. Instead, her partner Liberation Front (TPLF), Tigray’s On March 5 HRW called for an killed her with his own hands. Nobody knows where the baby is then-ruling party, in early November, urgent United Nations investigation – or if she’s alive. I worry about how she’s surviving without breast saying they came in response to TPLF into possible war crimes and crimes milk. Or if her father really cares for her, or if he sold her? attacks on federal Army camps. against humanity in Tigray. “Eritrean troops committed heinous killings Ethiopian and Eritrean forces in Axum with wanton disregard for entered Axum on November 20 after civilian lives,” HRW Horn of Africa “indiscriminate” shelling that killed director Laetitia Bader said. BURUNDI REFUGEES IN TANZANIA civilians, said the HRW report. The LIVING IN FEAR WOMEN MUST HAVE AUTONOMY Experts appointed by the UN Burundian political opponents OVER THEIR BODIES Human Rights Council said last have allegedly been tracked among The U.N. Population Fund called “When control rests elsewhere, month the rights of refugees and refugees and asylum-seekers there. on nations last month to respect autonomy remains perpetually out of asylum seekers who have fled Burundi Burundian intelligence agents, bodily autonomy as a universal right, reach,” the report notes. for Tanzania must be respected. posing as refugees within the camps, saying too many women and girls are are identifying specific individuals denied this basic power over their own Crimes and practices that violate Burundi refugees have suffered who are later arrested by Tanzanian bodies. a woman’s bodily autonomy include violations such as arbitrary arrests security forces. “honor” killings, forced and early and enforced disappearances, “The right to autonomy over our marriage, “virginity” tests and female allegedly carried out by the Tanzanian “The Government of Burundi bodies means that we must have the genital mutilation. police and intelligence services in must stop its repression against its power and agency to make choices cooperation with counterparts in citizens including those seeking without fear of violence or having Forced pregnancy or abortion also their homeland, they reported. international protection in Tanzania,” someone else decide for us,” UNFPA violate a woman’s power to make they said. Executive Director Natalia Kanem decisions concerning her body. “In addition to the strict told reporters on April 14. encampment policy imposed Burundian refugees have Despite constitutional guarantees on them by the Government of confirmed being taken by Tanzanian Those other decision-makersof gender equality in many countries, Tanzania, Burundian refugees and police and subjected to enforced include partners, family members, the report says on average, women asylum-seekers now live in fear of disappearance and torture, before society, and government. In a new globally enjoy only 75 percent of the being abducted in the middle of being forced to return home or report, “My Body is My Own,” legal rights of men. the night by Tanzanian security to sign up for “voluntary return.” UNFPA reviewed data from nearly Kanem said COVID-19 has forces and taken to an unknown Some were also interrogated for 60 countries, representing about a worsened the situation for millions location or being forcefully returned their supposed affiliation with armed quarter of the world’s population. It of women, increasing sexual violence, to Burundi,” the experts said in a groups, or about their activities in the found nearly half the women lack the especially during lockdowns, creating statement on April 13. camps, and even asked for money in power to make their own decisions new barriers to access to health care, order to be released. about their health care, whether or not and job and education losses. Hundreds of thousands of people to use contraception, or to have sexual fled Burundi for neighbouring The 12 experts who issued the intercourse with a partner. The report notes bodily autonomy countries following deadly clashes statement are mandated by the UN is an issue for other often marginalized surrounding the 2015 presidential Human Rights Council to monitor “A woman who has control over her groups, including unmarried women, election. While the worst of the specific thematic issues, including body is more likely to have power in LGBTI communities and persons violence has eased, the situation enforced or voluntary disappearances, other spheres of her life,” Kanem said. with disabilities. remains fragile, according to the UN arbitrary detention, and torture or refugee agency, UNHCR. other degrading punishment. They When they are denied this power, No country has achieved total serve in their individual capacity and she said, it reinforces inequalities and gender equality, but among those Nearly half of those who escaped, are neither UN staff, nor are they perpetuates violence arising from with the best track record are Sweden, or around 150,000 people, are in paid by the organization. gender discrimination, which is at the Uruguay, Cambodia, Finland, and Tanzania. The rights experts report root of the problem. Netherlands. voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 35 A.R. RAHMAN EXPLAINS WHY HE HATES THE TERM “BOLLYWOOD” The renowned musician A.R. Rahman explained last month why he hates the term “Bollywood.” In an interview with the Indian Express, Rahman explained filmmaking is a process that usually takes around five years. He said: “Filmmaking is a five-six-year-old process. It’s not like I am doing something on the spot and people are judging me. There are many layers of checks, test screenings.” Rahman went on to say each production should be unique before revealing why he dislikes the term “Bollywood.” He said: “It shouldn’t be the same kind of formula. So that’s the one thing I believed in, that each production should have a voice, and nothing should be generic or that this is how Indian movies are. Already we are making our movie industry generic by calling it Bollywood. Anything that comes from any part of the country is called Bollywood, which is also a rip-off of Hollywood. It’s disrespect to our filmmakers and amazing workers.” He elaborated on his reasons why: “When you go out and meet people like the stuntmen, camera people, you understand how talented and underrated they are and how they take a risk to do movies. I want to show respect to all of them, and that’s one of the reasons why I campaigned against saying the word. Bollywood is so generic and condescending to us.” A.R. Rahman’s belief is also the same when making music, which he has done since the 1990s. “Firstly, there are amazing filmmakers, and nobody can ever copy the other because their personalities are imprinted on their products. Those who copy only become mediocre. People’s expectations are there, how the songs are marketed, how the storytelling and dialogues should be.”

“THALAIVI” RELEASE POSTPONED TAMIL ACTOR VIVEKH DUE TO COVID-19 SPIKE The highly anticipated Bollywood and crew who supported us in this DIES AT 59 film Thalaivi, starring Kanganachallenging but remarkable journey. Popular Tamil actor Vivekh COVID-19 vaccine shot he took on Ranaut, was postponed last month “Since the film has been made in breathed his last breath early Saturday April 15. due to a horrific surge in COVID-19 morning. He was admitted to a cases across India. multiple languages, we would like Vivekh, a Padma Shri recipient, to release it in all languages on the hospital on Friday, after he suffered cardiac arrest. acted with top Tamil heroes including Following the initial 2020 same day. “But with an alarming Rajinikanth, Vijay and Ajith Kumar. lockdown, many members of the rise in COVID-19 cases, subsequent Popular Tamil actor Vivekh died He also appeared as the lead actor in a Bollywood industry waited patiently precautions, and lockdowns, even on April 17, hours after he was couple films and was involved in social for the release of their upcoming films though our film is ready for release on hospitalised after suffering a cardiac causes, including afforestation. in 2021.However, due to the current 23rd April, we want to extend all the arrest. He was 59. On April 16 in second wave of the virus sweeping support towards the government rules the morning, an unconscious Vivekh Tributes poured in from the film across India, the films with a closer and regulations and have decided to was brought to the SIMS hospital in industry. Composer A.R. Rahman release date have also been postponed. postpone release of Thalaivi. Chennai. He suffered a cardiac arrest mourned Vivekh’s loss and wrote on Twitter, “@ActorVivek can’t believe The original release date of Thalaivi “Though we are deferring the due to 100 percent blockage in a heart vessel. you’ve left us ..May you rest in peace was April 23, 2021. However, release date, we are confident that we ..you’ve entertained us for decades Kangana Ranaut’s “dream project” will receive as much love from you all He was revived and underwent ..your legacy will stay with us.” has now been put on hold. Thalaivi then as well.” an emergency coronary angiogram joins Akshay Kumar’s Sooryavanshi followed by angioplasty. He was then Actor Prakash Raj paid tribute to and Amibitabh Bachchan-Emraan Thalaivi creators announced the his “dear friend” and wrote, “Ahhh.. film’s original release date on February put on Extracorporeal Membrane Hashmi’s Chehre in being postponed. Oxygenation (ECMO) support to #vivek ...gone too soon dear friend 24, 2021, on J. Jayalalithaa’s birthday. ..thank you for planting thoughts n The filmmakers of Thalaivi have The biopic looks at the life of the late circulate blood through an artificial lung back into the bloodstream. trees ...thank you for entertaining and taken to social media to announce Tamil Nadu actress-turned-politician, empowering us with your wit and the delay in its release. In a statement portrayed by Bollywood actress Dr. Raju Sivasamy, vice president humour..will miss you...RIP.” posted on Friday, April 9, 2021, the Kangana Ranaut. of SIMS hospital, said that Vivekh’s filmmakers said: “As a team, we have ill-health was not related to the sacrificed a lot in making this film When released, Thalaivi will be and thank every member of the cast available to view in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. DHANUSH’S KARNAN TO BECOME FIRST - 50 CRORE GROSSER IN TAMIL NADU

Tamil actor Dhanush’s latest release, the star as the messiah of a village and action film Jagame Thanthiram,portion of the movie. Karnan is all set to become the first ₹50 its people who have been let down by which has been confirmed to directly crore grossing movie for the actor in the system. Karnan, which marked premiere on Netflix. It has been The project, which marks the Tamil Nadu. At the end of its second the maiden collaboration of Dhanush directed by Karthik Subbaraj. maiden collaboration of Dhanush and week run in theatres last month, the and Mari Selvaraj, also stars Lal, Karthik, was predominantly shot in film had grossed approximately ₹47 Natty, Rajisha Vijayan, Yogi Babu and Karthik’s film sees Dhanush play London apart from a few other places crore. Lakshmipriyaa Chandramouli among a gangster. Recently, pictures of in the UK. The film features Aishwarya others. Dhanush with a handlebar mustache Lekshmi as the leading lady. Games of Directed by Mari Selvaraj, Karnan from the sets of the film went viral on Thrones and Braveheart fame actor is a hard-hitting portrait of caste Meanwhile, Dhanush currently social media. It is rumoured Dhanush James Cosmo played a key role in the divide and police brutality. It features awaits the release of upcoming Tamil will be seen in this look in the flashback film. Mortgage rates are currently low, this may be the best time for you to act. Book your appointment now to speak with a Mortgage Agent, at Obsidian Mortgage Corp., you may qualify for a lower rate.

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CRICKET STARS LEAVE IPL AS INDIA COVID-19 TOLL GROWS Many cricket stars pulled out of The world’s richest cricket league the Indian Premier League (IPL) has faced criticism for continuing in the middle of the tournament as in empty stadiums during the crisis, the COVID-19 situation in India with a leading newspaper group is getting worse. On April 26 two accusing it of “commercialism gone Australian cricketers left the IPL as crass” as it suspended coverage on top bowler Pat Cummins said the April 25. tournament was being kept open to distract attention from the growing IPL organisers were anxious coronavirus toll on the country. to hold the tournament--said to NORTH KOREA TO SKIP TOKYO OLYMPICS generate billions of dollars for the Adam Zampa and Kane Indian economy--after last year’s OVER COVID-19 FEARS Richardson are returning to Australia event was moved to the United Arab for “personal reasons, “their Royal Emirates because of the pandemic North Korea announced last Korea has missed a Summer Olympics Challengers Bangalore team said, risk. month it will not take part in the since 1988 when it boycotted the Seoul joining Rajasthan Royals bowler Tokyo Olympics this year, saying the Games during the Cold War. Andrew Tye who flew back on April Players are being tested every two decision is to protect its athletes from days in bio-secure bubbles where COVID-19. Pyongyang’s decision However, the International 25. India star Ravichandran Ashwin Olympic Committee (IOC) said it had also withdrew to support his family they will be based for eight weeks. was made at an Olympic committee meeting on March 25 according to a not “received an official application” on April 25 as the country staggers Earlier, Cricket Australia said from North Korea to step back from under 350,000 new infections and report by the state-run site Sports in it was in contact with IPL players, the DPRK. The decision puts an end the Games until mid-April. almost 3,000 deaths each day. coaches and commentators and was to South Korea’s hopes of using the It added despite repeated requests, England batsman Liam listening to their “feedback” as well Games to engage with the North amid as to advice from the Australian the country’s National Olympic Livingstone left the Royals in the stalled cross-border talks. Committee had failed to “hold a previous week just before Britain Government. In 2018, both sides entered a joint telephone conference during which the imposed a travel clampdown on India “Our thoughts are with the people COVID-19 situation in North Korea as its hospitals became overwhelmed, team at the Winter Olympics which of India at this difficult time,” a led to a series of historic summits. should also have been discussed.” and shortages of oxygen and hospital statement said. beds grew. Pyongyang says it has no cases of the North Korea has taken stringent Cummins, one of the most virus, but experts say this is unlikely. measures against the virus since it A handful of players, including expensive foreign imports into the broke out last year. It shut its borders India star Axar Patel, tested The country’s health system is thought league, said he had felt “helpless” to be completely inadequate for dealing in late January, and later quarantined positive for coronavirus before the watching events in India. hundreds of foreigners in its capital. tournament. with the COVID pandemic. The announcement makes North Since early last year, trains and Korea the first major country to skip wagons have been forbidden to enter the delayed 2020 Games because of the or leave North Korea, with most BIANCA ANDREESCU WITHDRAWS pandemic. The event is due to begin on international passenger flights stopped as well. FROM MADRID OPEN July 23. This will be the first time North SHEARER, HENRY FIRST INDUCTEES INTO PREMIER LEAGUE HALL OF FAME

Former Newcastle United striker Former France international, Alan Shearer and ex-Arsenal forward Henry scored a club-record 175 Canadian tennis star Bianca said. “I look forward to getting back Thierry Henry have become the first Premier League goals in 258 matches Andreescu withdrew last month from on the court very soon.” two players inducted into the Premier for Arsenal. He won the league Madrid Open after she tested positive Andreescu had been rehabbing League’s Hall of Fame the league said title twice and was a key member for COVID-19 in Spain. In a Twitter on April 26. Shearer is the Premier of the “Invincibles” team who post on April 25, Andreescu said she an injured foot after sustaining the injury playing against Ash Barty League’s all-time top scorer, having went unbeaten during the 2003-04 arrived in Madrid to compete in the netted 260 goals across 14 Premier campaign. He also provided a joint- upcoming Madrid Open and was in the final of the Miami Open on April 3. Still, the 20-year-old said the League seasons with Newcastle and record 20 assists in 2002-03. informed she had tested positive. Blackburn Rovers. injury wasn’t serious, but it did keep “To be inducted alongside Alan In a post addressed to her fans, her from competing in the Billie Jean The former England international, Shearer as the two first inductees into the Mississauga, Ontario, native Cup on April 16-17. who won the Premier League title in the Premier League Hall of Fame is said “after testing negative [for Miami was Andreescu’s third the 1994-95 season with Blackburn, more than special,” Henry said. COVID-19] before my flight to is the only player to have scored 100 Madrid, I was sadly informed that tournament this year following a The league said the Hall of 16-month layoff after suffering a goals in the competition for two I had tested positive upon arrival ... different clubs. Fame “celebrates the talent and and therefore will not be playing at knee injury at the 2019 WTA Finals. achievements” of those who have the Madrid Open later this week. Like numerous other sport governing “When you look at some of the featured in the division since its bodies across the globe, the WTA unbelievable players to have graced inception in 1992, and players must “I am feeling good, I am resting, has said it will encourage players to the Premier League ... I feel very have been retired as of August 1, and continuing to follow the health receive the COVID-19 vaccine but honoured to join the Hall of Fame,” 2020 to be eligible. protocols and safety guidelines,” she would not require it for competition. Shearer said in a statement. PAGE 38 voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021

MR. SATHEESAN editor for an online journal since Brian Senewiratne was born in Sri channel and generates quality KUMARASAMY 1999. Mr. Kumarasamy received Lanka and educated at Cambridge content. Young and enthusiastic, a Bachelor of Science in Biology University and London University. she has participated in many (Natural Science) and Bachelor He rose to be a consultant physician global pop-up newsroom projects of Arts in Political Science with in London, but voluntarily opted and has come up with innovative Honours, and Master of Arts in in 1968 to return to Sri Lanka as ideas for the future of journalism. Integrated Studies degrees with associate professor of medicine specialization in Political Science. and consultant physician in the MR. SARAVANA Mr. Kumarasamy is currently teaching hospital in Kandy. With RAJENDRAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF pursuing his studies in LLM at increasing instability in Sri Lanka, Mr. Satheesan Kumarasamy has Osgoode Hall Law School and he moved to Brisbane in 1976 as worked in the media nearly two PhD in Human Rights. associate professor of medicine decades. He has contributed at Queensland University, and a articles in English and Tamil for senior specialist visiting physician in Princess Alexandra Hospital various newspapers, and is an MS. JANET MUSICK (PAH), a post he held till 2000. He relentlessly campaigns against ONLINE EDITOR – TAMIL violation of the human rights of the TAMIL.VOICEFORJUSTICE.CA STAY IN TOUCH Tamil minority, and for their right Mr. Saravana Rajendran 11 - 2623 Eglinton Ave East to live with equality, dignity and completed his post-graduate work Scarborough, ON M1K 2S2 safety in the country of their birth. in chemistry. He worked at British Tel: 416-723-7524 Dr Senewiratne is a Sinhalese from Petroleum in its research section [email protected] the majority community. for several years. Due to his COPY EDITOR - ENGLISH passion for journalism, he shifted MR. RAVI DEVARAJ his career to newspapers in 2008. Ms. Janet Musick has a Bachelor He provided his services to Thina of Arts degree in English, and Thanthi, a Tamil newspaper in the has worked as an editor, writer Mumbai office for a few months. and proofreader. She has a strong Then he served Maharashtra background in manuscript editing, State Government Secretariat and copy editing and proofing, as well Mumbai Corporation Office as as corporate communications. translator in the public relations Currently, she edits manuscripts sections. At present, he works as for Texas-based Defiance Press EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR-SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY a journalist in Chennai. He is a and Publishing, as well as for prolific translator in Tamil, Hindi, Mr. Satheesan Kumarasamy Mr. Ravi Devaraj obtained his individual authors. She also works Marathi and Arabic languages. law degree in BABL. He currently with new authors at a discount to His books have been published by COPY EDITOR – ENGLISH works as deputy manager in help them become better writers Eastern Publishers, Self-Esteem Ms. Janet Musick Quadrant Televentures in the as a way to give back to the writing Publishers and Manimegalai southern State of Tamil Nadu. Mr. profession. Publishers, and he currently writes Devaraj does research in Tamil, LAW & POLITICS EDITOR articles for Tamil and Hindi dailies Tamilian History. He is interested Dr. Paul Newman and weekly magazines. in restoration and reclaiming the history of the Tamil race, culture, MEDICINE & HEALTH EDITOR DR. PAUL NEWMAN and identity. He has more than ten MR. KABIR BADAL Dr. Brian Senewiratne years of experience and expertise HUMAYUN in Tamil, Indo-European open SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY source interpretation, and analysis. EDITOR Currently, he is doing research on Mr. Ravi Devaraj the history of the EDITOR-LAW & POLITICS and Tamilian in Homeland ECONOMY & SOCIAL ISSUES (Tamil Nadu and Eelam). He is Dr. Paul Newman is a professor of collecting Tamil words to compare EDITOR Human Rights at the University of ONLINE EDITOR - ENGLISH Dr. Subra Jayahanthan with the words of European and VOICEFORJUSTICE.CA Bangalore, India. He holds a PhD, Asian languages and has found and his research thesis was ‘Internal the influence of Tamil in these Mr. Humayun Kabir Badal is a senior SENIORS, WOMEN & Displacement and Human countries’ languages. journalist based in Bangladesh. CHILDREN ISSUES EDITOR Rights situation in Northern Sri After obtaining a Bachelor of Ms. Dayasiya Puviraj Lanka from 1995 - 2001.’ He is a Arts degree in 1988, he became a member of the Forum Against journalist for about 30 years. He has Death Penalty based in Chennai MS. SRIMATHI SRIDHARAN worked in both Bengali and English ONLINE EDITOR – ENGLISH in India. Dr. Newman is a staunch daily newspapers. Currently, he Mr. Humayun Kabir Badal supporter and voice for oppressive works for the English version of and suppressive regimes around Daily Nayadiganta as a special ONLINE EDITOR – TAMIL the world; in particular, he is a correspondent. A committed Mr. Sivasankaran Balasubramanian voice against human rights abuses human rights activist, Mr. Kabir is a perpetuated against minority founding member of Shishu Kalyan groups. Sangbadik Parishad (Children PRODUCTION MANAGER EDITOR- SENIORS, WOMEN & Welfare Journalists Association), Mrs. Vithya Satheesan CHILDREN which works for poor and Ms. Srimathi Sridharan has been oppressed children. He advocates GRAPHIC DESIGNER DR. BRIAN SENEWIRATNE a journalist for the past five years. for the welfare of the down-trodden Mr. Selvaratnam Amutheesan Her experience in working in a section of society when they newsroom has brought immense become victims of government WEBSITE DESIGNER value in addition to copy editing, repression, discriminatory policy, Mr. Vinoth Poovalingam reporting and journalistic ethics or are exploited by any vested of the journal. She has a bachelor’s quarter around the world. CONSULTING degree in Electronic Media and Mr. Samy Ramachandran masters in Communication and EDITOR-MEDICINE & HEALTH Journalism. She also has a YouTube voiceforjustice.ca | May 2021 PAGE 39 INJURED? MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT, SLIP AND FALL OR WORKPLACE RELATED?

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