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UNHRC Core Group urges Sri Lanka to uphold Resolution 30/1
View(s):The Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council said they were “deeply disappointed and concerned” that the Government of Sri Lanka has changed its approach to UNHRC Resolution 30/1.
The Core Group, which comprises Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Montenegro and the UK, also insisted they remain “profoundly committed to resolution 30/1 and its principles of reconciliation, accountability, intercommunal harmony, and justice for victims of conflict.”
In a statement delivered to the UNHRC on behalf of the Core Group by UK International Ambassador for Human Rights Rita French, she said Resolution 30/1, which was co-sponsored by Sri Lanka in 2015, and two further resolutions which were subsequently adopted, are hugely significant for Sri Lanka and the Council.
“They marked the end of a period of confrontation with voted resolutions and an international investigation. They heralded the start of a partnership and a sense of common purpose between Sri Lanka and the Council,” she said.
From 2015 onwards, important steps had been taken, as recognised in successive Council reports, Ms French said.
“We join the High Commissioner in welcoming the significant progress in institution building including the establishment of the Office of Reparations and the Office on Missing Persons.”
“Fulfillment of the mandates of these offices would bring hope to those left behind, following tens of thousands of enforced disappearances over many years,” she said.
“Following the resolution, human rights defenders, academics and journalists have had more freedom and experienced less intimidation. However, we share the High Commissioner’s concern at the growing number of reports of harassment and surveillance of human rights defenders and victims of human rights violations.”
“The protection of civil society, independent media and human rights institutions from intimidation remains critical to fulfill Sri Lanka’s commitment to a free and open democratic society, both in the build up to, and after the upcoming Parliamentary elections.”
The group urges the Sri Lankan Government to advance all of these principles and ensure a prosperous and inclusive Sri Lanka for which the rule of law and ending impunity are a fundamental basis, Ms French added.
“We encourage the Sri Lankan Government to continue cooperation and dialogue with the Council, the OHCHR and UN human rights mechanisms to facilitate progress towards lasting peace where the rights of all Sri Lankan people can flourish,” she said.