UNHRC 32nd session:

Sri Lanka engaged with UN HR mechanisms -UN High Commissioner Zeid

by Manjula Fernando

Countries which took part in the discussion on Sri Lanka at the 32nd session of the UN Human Rights Council(HRC) last week, acknowledged that Sri Lanka had shown notable progress in promoting reconciliation during the past 18 months.

Over twenty countries represented in the HRC joined in the discussion after an oral update on Sri Lanka’s human rights situation by Human Rights High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.

The Western block, however, had emphasized that the country needed to move forward in its commitments despite the notable progress while Russia had defended Sri Lanka, saying the country should be left alone to overcome remaining challenges at its own pace.

According to the UN media centre, High Commissioner Zeid had ‘noted with satisfaction’ that the Government of Sri Lanka engaged with the UN human rights mechanisms.

However, he has expressed regret that the implementation of a ‘comprehensive transitional justice agenda has been hampered by lack of clarity around responsibilities and a strategy that linked together different processes’.

During the session the Norwegian reppresentative expressed that the proposed mechanism to probe human rights allegations should have international judges and jurists in keeping with Resolution 30/1.

The Sri Lankan delegation, briefing the steps already taken by the government to reconcile the communities, stressed that the road ahead was challenging but it was powered by the determination and resolve to achieve reconciliation.

Northern Provincial Councilor M.K.Shivajilingam said injustices against the Tamils were being committed even today.

Among the countries that joined in the discussion were Latvia, Netherlands on behalf of the European Union, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Marshall Islands, Germany, Switzerland, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Viet Nam, Saudi Arabia, Republic of Korea, Ghana, Thailand, Turkey, Norway, Japan, Iceland, United States, Australia, Pakistan, Denmark, Canada, New Zealand, Estonia, Ireland and Azerbaijan.