Black July Commemoration: Historic Initiative in Front of the UK Prime Minister’s Office to Count Tamil Victims of the Sri Lankan War
Black July Commemoration: Historic Initiative in Front of the UK Prime Minister’s Office to Count Tamil Victims of the Sri Lankan War
23 July 2026 | London
On 23 July 2026, the day marking the remembrance of the 1983 Black July anti-Tamil pogrom, members of the Tamil diaspora gathered opposite 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the UK Prime Minister, to take part in a historic initiative to document the lives of Tamils who were killed or disappeared during the Sri Lankan conflict.
More than seventeen years after the end of the armed conflict in 2009, many families are still without a complete record of those who were killed or forcibly disappeared, and justice remains elusive for countless victims. To support efforts towards truth, accountability, and justice, the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) and the Human Rights Data Analysis Group (HRDAG) are jointly carrying out the “Counting the Dead” project.
Remembering the victims of Black July and the immense suffering endured by the Tamil people, members of the Tamil community came together to provide information about relatives and loved ones who lost their lives or remain missing. Volunteers carefully recorded these details to contribute to a comprehensive historical record.
Speaking at the event, volunteers said:
“An international justice mechanism remains essential for the victims of Sri Lanka’s conflict. By documenting the stories of those who lost their lives and preserving their testimonies, we hope to contribute to the pursuit of truth, accountability, and justice for affected families.”
The event was supported by dedicated volunteers, including Vithushan Kanesamoorthy, Anushan Balasubramaniam, Sivakumar Vidhursan, and Arangan Jayakumar, who participated with commitment and dedication in assisting members of the public throughout the initiative.
The “Counting the Dead” project aims to create a reliable historical record of those who were killed or disappeared during the conflict in Sri Lanka, helping to preserve evidence and support future efforts towards truth, justice, and accountability.
