UN Special Rapporteur to assess minority rights issues
by Rukshana Rizwie
 The United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues Rita Izsak
will arrive in the country tomorrow and continue her stay till October
20 to assess the current situation of national, ethnic, religious and
linguistic minorities in the country, the UN Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement.
"Experience has shown that the recognition and promotion of minority
rights are critical, if not requisite, in achieving long-lasting peace
and reconciliation, particularly in countries such as Sri Lanka that
were once divided by ethnic conflicts," the expert said in a report.
"Considering the long-standing grievances that were at the root of
the 25-year civil war in Sri Lanka, any effort towards accountability
and reconciliation must include a careful examination of the extent to
which the rights of minorities are protected and promoted in the
country."
During her mission, the Human Rights expert will also travel to North
and East to meet minority communities to hear their concerns and issues.
She is also expected to meet government officials, civil society members
and members of the Human Rights Commission.
She cited that her visit is to assist the Government and Sri Lankan
society at large in identifying challenges and solutions, as well as
sharing experiences at this critical time for Sri Lanka.
She will present her preliminary findings and recommendations at a
press conference on Thursday, October 20 and will present her full
report on the mission, to the UN Human Rights Council in March next
year. |
