Govt to brief diplomatic missions on progress made over HR issues before UNHRC sessions

Colombo based diplomats will be briefed by Foreign Minister Vijith Herath on the progress made in addressing human right related issues in the past year before he leaves  for Geneva to attend the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council which starts on September 8.

The meeting has been called to give an overview of the progress made in strengthening domestic intuitions in addressing accountability issues since the new Government took office last September.

These will include steps taken to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism (PTA) Act and the setting up of an Independent Prosecutors Office, Mr.Herath told the Sunday Times.

He said that the Government's refusal to allow any international role in investigating past human rights violations in Sri Lanka remains unchanged and he would reiterate this stance during his address to the HRC.

However he will give a detailed briefing on the process made to strengthen domestic institutions since the NPP came to power as well as its crackdown on corruption.

Meanwhile the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk who visited Sri Lanka in June will present his report on the “Situation of human rights in Sri Lanka.’ at the 60th session on September 8.

In his Report, a copy of which was released earlier this month, Mr. Turk urged the Government to consider using international legal options to advance accountability in Sri Lanka.

He also requested the Government to create an enabling environment for transitional justice by acceding to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, implement confidence-building measures such as releasing military-held lands, halting new land seizures and accelerate titling efforts in the north and east, releasing all long-term detainees under the PTA , support victim’s memorialisation initiatives and ensure impartiality of the Office on Missing Persons,  including by seeking international expertise and monitoring to build its credibility.