Ottawa Tamil Association (OTA) expresses its deepest condolences on the Passing of Denis J. Halliday
Of particular significance to the Tamil community was his long-standing involvement with the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal (PPT) sessions on Sri Lanka. He served as a judge and co-chair across the Dublin, Bremen, and Berlin sessions.
The Tribunals examined extensive evidence and concluded that the Government of Sri Lanka was guilty of the crime of genocide against the Eelam Tamil people. Mr. Halliday spoke publicly and consistently about these findings, the ongoing nature of the harm, and the responsibilities of the international community.
In February 2014, he visited Ottawa as part of a National Council of Canadian Tamils (NCCT) delegation engaged in advocacy for recognition of the Tamil genocide. During that visit, he met with the Ottawa Tamil community at an OTA event, shared details of the Bremen Tribunal’s conclusions, and discussed the importance of international recognition of Sri Lanka’s genocide against Tamils and justice. His presence and clear presentation left a lasting impression on those who attended.
The Ottawa Tamil Association remembers Mr. Halliday as a courageous former senior UN official who refused to remain silent, used his experience and authority to support independent inquiry, and stood with communities seeking recognition of historical injustices. His contributions to the documentation and international awareness of the Tamil genocide will be remembered with gratitude.
We extend our sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and all who worked with him. May he rest in peace.
Ottawa Tamil Association
info@ottawatamilassociation.ca | www.ottawatamilassociation.ca
https://ottawatamilassociation.ca/ota-events/2014-ota-events/
https://www.tamilnet.com/img/publish/2014/01/pt_bremen_2013december.pdf
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