(1888PressRelease)
February 16, 2009 - WASHINGTON, DC – One week later and over 1,000 Americans and hundreds abroad have joined eight students and young professionals on the eleventh day of their indefinite hunger strike. Eight Americans have been on a continuous fast since the start of February all while maintaining their student and employment responsibilities. Although hunger pains and weakness has taunted them, they remain committed to their fast in support of civilians under brutal attack in Sri Lanka.
Since January over 300 Tamil civilians have been killed by aerial bombing and shelling in Northern Sri Lanka, also known as Vanni. Last week the UN warned that the entire population in Vanni is facing a food crisis. Emilia Casella, a spokesperson for the World Food Program said 250,000 Tamil civilians depend completely on humanitarian aid from the World Food Program (WFP), but the government has not given clearance for WFP aid convoys since January 16.
Last week a hospital housing 500 patients was shelled nine times by the Sri Lankan government. Following this brazen attack on civilians, the Sri Lankan government attempted to justify its attack by stating that the hospital was a “legitimate target” because it was located outside of a “safe zone.” Human Rights Watch stated that the government’s statement “indicates an appalling disregard for the well-being of the civilian population and is contrary to international law.” According to reports from the conflict zone, this past weekend more than 180 Tamil civilians were killed inside government-designated “safe zones” in Chuthanthirapuram, Iruddumadu, Udaiyaarkaddu and Theavipuram.
The Starving for Peace fast has caught the attention of six Congress members’ offices who have since contacted the State Department calling for immediate action. A week ago, Secretary of State Clinton issued a statement declaring that now is the time to resume peace talks in Sri Lanka. The Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee sent a letter to President Mahinda Rajapakse urging him to allow aid in immediately. These actions have energized these eight Americans, strengthening their resolve to fast for action. Every meal they sacrifice represents 30 refugees trapped in the ravaged regions of Sri Lanka, and they vow to fast continuously until the over 300,000 Tamil civilians who are under constant artillery and aerial onslaught are represented. Supporters can visit their “Starving for Peace” webpage at www.pearlaction.org/fast and pledge to sacrifice a meal to represent 30 refugees, sending a letter to inform their Congress members and reducing the amount of fasting for these eight Americans.
PEARL is asking the U.S. government to ensure that medical supplies, aid and journalists are allowed to enter the area of Sri Lanka where the civilians are currently trapped. PEARL also wants President Barack Obama to immediately appoint a special envoy to encourage all parties to work towards a sustainable political resolution.
Media Contact:
Fabiola Fleuranvil of Blueprint Creative Group
Phone: (404) 437-0078
Email: Fabiola ( @ ) BlueprintCreativeGroup dot com
People for Equality and Relief in Lanka (PEARL)
Phone: (301) 805-2465
Web: PearlAction.org
###
