EU express concerns over Govt decision to withdraw from UN Res 30/1

The European Union (EU) expressed concerns over the government decision to withdraw from co-sponsoring the United Nations (UN) Resolution 30/1 on strengthening reconciliation and accountability on war time human rights abuses. 

“We are concerned that the government of Sri Lanka no longer supports the framework of Resolution 30/1 to address the legacy of the past conflict and to foster accountability, reconciliation and human rights with the support of the Council,” EU Statement submitted at 43rd session of Human Rights Council said. 

The EU also acknowledged that important progress has been made in advancing respect for human rights in Sri Lanka since 2015. The EU calls on the government of Sri Lanka to maintain a sustainable and durable reconciliation process, including by ensuring the continued work of the Office for Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations, by replacing the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and through confidence-building measures. 

In view of the upcoming parliamentary elections, the EU recommended that the government of Sri Lanka puts in place an action plan to affirm its commitment to reconciliation, the rule of law (also with a view to ending impunity for war crimes), the protection of civil society, independent media and human rights. 

“The EU encourages the government of Sri Lanka to remain engaged with the UN and international partners, and the EU will continue to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to further strengthen the dialogue on governance, rule of law, devolution and human rights,” the statement said.