Relatives of the disappeared protest use of death certificates

The Association of Relatives of the Enforced Disappeared of Tamil Eelam has issued a plea to prevent the use of death certificates and financial aid as tools to suppress protests regarding missing persons. During a press conference in Vavuniya, the group expressed deep concern over the actions of the Office on Missing Persons (OMP).

Relatives reported that families are being pressured or coerced by government officials, including Grama Niladhari (GS) officers, to participate in OMP proceedings. They claim families are being urged to provide documents, witnesses, and bank account details, or to accept death certificates for their missing loved ones.

The association emphasized that death certificates should not be accepted until a credible, independent investigation determines the fate of the disappeared. They further warned that linking financial assistance to the acceptance of death certificates or the provision of bank details could be used as a mechanism to administratively close missing persons cases and end the struggle for truth and justice.