The journey towards justice need not be a long one if those entrusted with the process act fairly and with sincerity, said Fr. Josephthas Jebaratnam, Vicar General of the Diocese of Jaffna.
He made these remarks while addressing an event held at the Thanthai Selva Auditorium in Jaffna on Sunday, August 30, organized by the families of the forcibly disappeared to mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
Rev. Fr. Jebaratnam described enforced disappearance as one of the most horrific tragedies inflicted by human beings, and noted that August 30, while being observed as the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, could also be regarded as a day that draws attention to the grave human rights violations committed against victims and their families.
Although the conference was organized under the theme “The Long Journey Towards Justice,” he said that the journey towards justice should not, in reality, be a long one.
He stressed that those entrusted with the responsibility of pursuing justice must be fair, impartial and sincere in their actions.
He further called for persons capable of acting justly and honestly to be appointed to positions responsible for ensuring justice in cases of enforced disappearance.
He emphasized that genuine commitment, fairness and integrity among those responsible for the process could make the journey towards justice much shorter for the families who have been waiting for answers.
