US urges SL to make public a strategy and timetable for implementation of UN report’s recommendations

The United States urged Sri Lanka to make public a strategy and timetable for implementation of the report’s recommendations while sharing concerns raised in the report compiled by the Office of High Commissioner to Human Rights (OHCHR).

Delivering a statement at the interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Presentation of Sri Lanka Report today, Daniel Kronenfeld of US Mission in Geneva said US is concerned by accounts of increasing marginalization of minority communities and shrinking space for civil society, including independent media.  “We remain concerned about the lack of accountability, including high-level appointments of military officials credibly accused of conflict-era abuses,”

“The Sri Lankan government’s efforts to address concerns raised in OHCHR’s report via a domestic process need to be meaningful and credible.  We note that the Sri Lankan Commission of Inquiry does not include a mandate to pursue accountability, and that the Office of Missing Persons and Office of Reparations need to operate without political interference,” Mr Kronenfeld said.

“We note that respect for the human rights of all Sri Lankans is critical to Sri Lanka’s long-term peace, security and prosperity, and call on the Sri Lankan government to take meaningful, concrete steps to promote accountability, justice, and reconciliation,”