Open Letter to Swiss Authorities UNSC on LTTE terrorist insignia display in Geneva

18 September 2025

 

Subject:

Urgent Legal Inquiry Regarding Public Display of LTTE Symbols Near UNHRC, Geneva

 

To:

• Swiss Federal Authorities / Permanent Mission of Switzerland in Geneva
• Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
• UN Geneva Security
• Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN, Geneva

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

I write as a concerned Sri Lankan citizen to formally raise urgent legal and human rights concerns regarding the public display of symbols, flags, portraits, and banners associated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)near the UNHRC premises in Geneva, specifically around the Broken Chair at Place des Nations.

 

1. Background

 

• The LTTE is aproscribed terrorist organisation in Sri Lanka, the UK, EU, US, and 32 other countries.
• Banning a terrorist organisation automatically bansall terrorist-related symbols. All LTTE-related symbols — flags, logos, portraits, the Karthigaipoo flower, Lebbek/Vahai tree, and other emblems — must also be legally banned in every country that continues to ban the LTTE.
• Photographic and video evidence shows these symbols beingpublicly displayed in Geneva in September 2025, adjacent to UN premises and during UNHRC sessions.

 

2. Legal Context

 

• Swiss Law:Articles 260bis and related provisions of the Swiss Criminal Code prohibit support, glorification, or promotion of terrorism.

Does the public display of LTTE symbols constitute such prohibited acts?

 

• UN Responsibilities:

Under the UN Headquarters Agreement and consistent with UN Security Council Resolutions, Switzerland, as the host country, is obligated to ensure that domestic laws prohibiting the glorification of terrorism are upheld within its territory, including areas adjacent to UN premises. Allowing the display of symbols associated with proscribed terrorist organizations may contravene these obligations.

Who has given authority for LTTE, a banned organisation to flaunt terror insignia within or near UN premises?

 

• International Counter-Terrorism Obligations:

Switzerland, as a UN member, is obliged under UNSC Resolutions 1373 and 1267 to prevent support for terrorist groups.

Why has Swiss police not taken action against pro-LTTE insignia & events in Geneva?

 

3. Key Concerns and Questions

 

1. Banning LTTE Symbols

• Under what legal provisions are LTTE flags, portraits, and other symbols permitted in Geneva, especially near UNHRC premises?
• How does this align with Swiss law and international counter-terrorism obligations?

 

2. Protection of Civilians vs Glorification of Terrorists

• UN and Swiss authorities are mandated toprotect unarmed civilians and prevent violence.
• Allowing LTTE symbols glorifies individuals responsible for mass murders and terrorism, directly contradicting this mandate.
• Some posters are even demanding LTTE be allowed tocontinue holding weapons.
• Displaying these symbols constitutesindirect support or encouragement of terrorism, actionable under Swiss law and international counter-terrorism norms.

3. Violation of UN Premises Neutrality

• UN premises and adjacent public areas must remainneutral spaces for diplomacy and human rights, not platforms for any banned terrorist organisation.
• Allowing LTTE symbolserodes the neutrality of UN premises and implies tacit acceptance of terrorist glorification.

4. Selective Tolerance / Double Standard

• Would symbols ofAl Qaeda, ISIS, or Boko Haram ever be permitted under similar circumstances?
• If not, what justifies the differential treatment of the LTTE, a proscribed terrorist organisation as well?

5. Future Risk Scenario

• Current tolerance sets adangerous precedent.

In 2026, what if Al Qaeda, ISIS, or other proscribed terrorist organisations attempt similar displays outside the Broken Chair or other UN landmarks?

• Authorities must clarify and enforceconsistent legal standards now to prevent such abuses.

6. Implications for Sri Lanka

• Pressuring Sri Lanka torepeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act or establish Truth Commissions, while LTTE symbols are tolerated internationally and LTTE groups demand to continue holding weapons, undermines national security, the rule of law, and counter-terrorism credibility. It also renders reconciliation mechanisms demanded by UN/UNHRC meaningless.

 

4. Request for Action

• Provide awritten explanation of the Swiss legal and administrative grounds permitting these displays of LTTE terrorist insignia.
• ClarifyUNHRC policies and enforcement regarding terrorist symbols near UN premises.
• Take immediate measures to ensure compliance withdomestic and international anti-terrorism laws, and prevent glorification of terrorist organisations.
• Ensure thatUN premises and adjacent areas are aligned with the mandate to protect civilians, not provide a platform for banned terrorist organisations.

 

Attachments:

Photographs and videos documenting LTTE symbols displayed near the Broken Chair, Place des Nations, Geneva September 2025.

LTTE in GENEVA – Sept 2025 – Photographic evidence

I respectfully request a written response clarifying the legal and procedural basis for these public displays.

 

 

 

Sincerely,
Shenali D Waduge

Sri Lankan Citizen