India abstained on UN Resolution vote on Sri Lanka but reiterates to hold PC polls & ensure rights for Tamils

Though India abstained from voting on the UN Resolution on Sri Lanka today, it urged the government to carry forward the process of reconciliation, address the aspirations of the Tamil community and continue engaging constructively with the international community to ensure that the fundamental freedom and human rights of all of its citizens are fully protected.

India’s pre vote Statement at the 46th Session of the UN Human Rights Council on its consideration of the resolution “Promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka ' in Geneva said that India's approach to the question of human rights in Sri Lanka is guided by two fundamental considerations.

“One is our support to the Tamils of Sri Lanka for equality, justice, dignity and peace. The other is in ensuring the unity, stability and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka..We have always believed that these two goals are mutually supportive and Sri Lanka’s progress is best assured by simultaneously addressing both objectives,” the statement said.

India said it also supported the call by the international community for the government to fulfill its commitments on the devolution of political authority, including through the early holding of elections for Provincial Councils and to ensure that all Provincial Councils are able to operate effectively, in accordance with the 13th amendment to the Sri lankan constitution.

"At the same time, we believe that the work of OHCHR should be in conformity with the mandate given by the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly,” it said.