A peaceful protest calling for justice for those buried at the Chemmani–Siththuppaththi mass grave was held today, Thursday, 30 July, in the Chemmani area, organized by the Justice and Peace Commission of the Diocese of Jaffna.
The protest began in front of the St. Jude Thaddeus statue in Ariyalai under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Anthonipillai Augustine, Chairman of the Justice and Peace Commission, and proceeded as a peaceful procession to Chemmani Junction.
At the conclusion of the procession, Rev. Fr. Anthonipillai Augustine read an urgent appeal addressed to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Türk. The appeal noted that 454 sets of human remains, including those of children and infants, had reportedly been recovered from the site as of 21 July 2026. It called for an independent international investigation to establish the truth and ensure accountability.
It further called for the excavation, identification and preservation of human remains to be carried out in accordance with the Minnesota Protocol and other international standards, together with independent DNA analysis, meaningful participation of families, and protection for witnesses and human rights defenders. The appeal also urged UN human rights mechanisms to continue monitoring the Chemmani excavations and called for a UN human rights presence in Jaffna to help ensure the safety of witnesses.
More than 100 people, including Diocesan Vicar General Rev. Fr. Jebaratnam, Rev. Fr. Paul Jeyanthan Pacheck, clergy, religious men and women, participated in the peaceful protest.
