While deeply saddened by his transition, we take solace in his exemplary
https://thevoiceforum.org/node/4863
We received the news of the passing on of Viraj Mendis in the last few days with shock and a heavy heart. We came to know Viraj through the International Human Rights Association (Menschenrechtsverein) Bremen in the formative years of the Caravan Network – for the rights of refugees and migrants in Germany, in the late 1990s. Perhaps more than anyone else in those early years, he was a huge inspirational and motivational figure with the organisational and intellectual qualities that guided the nascent Caravan network to national recognition. He brought his wealth of experience in the struggle; which, for him, essentially began as a student in the United Kingdom to the refugees and migrants’ movement in Germany. His critical and deep understanding of the national and international structures of oppression, racism and discrimination sharply influenced the perspective of the Caravan; which was coordinated by the Menschenrechtsverein at the time. He had a strong ideological principle of solidarity with freedom fighters and the struggle for self-determination by marginalised groups in different regions and continents. His commitment to the struggle for freedom, equality and human rights – with particular reference to refugee and migrant rights was unwavering. He will be sorely missed.
While deeply saddened by his transition, we take solace in his exemplary legacy in the struggle.
May his soul rest in peace and power!
In solidarity,
The VOICE Refugee Forum.