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Heated exchange at the Human Rights session

12 September 2011 09:49 am - 13     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A heated exchange of words took place at the United Nations Human Rights Council Session in Geneva a short while ago, pertaining to Sri Lanka. Head of the Sri Lankan Delegation Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe criticised the action of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay, while the High Commissioner used Sri Lanka as an example for the failure to uphold human rights in a context of combating terrorism.

“The countermeasures adopted by the States to combat terrorism have frequently been designed with insufficient regard to human rights. This has all too often led to an erosion of rights and fostered a culture of diffidence and discrimination which, in turn, perpetuates cycles of violence and retribution. Sri Lanka is one such case,” she had said.

She added that Sri Lanka should have a complete review of security related measures. “For three decades, not only has that country suffered the brutal effects of terrorist acts, but the response of successive governments over the years has undermined independent institutions, human rights and the rule of law. I note the President's decision to allow some emergency measures to lapse, but strongly urge the Government to follow up with a comprehensive review of all security-related legislation and detentions,” she had said.

Meanwhile Minister Samarasinghe related events that he believed undermined the proper procedures of the UN. “On the 9th of this month at a luncheon briefing, we were given to understand that the High Commissioner for Human Rights had informed a group of countries that a decision had been taken by the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General to transmit the report of his Advisory Panel on Sri Lanka to your office and to
hers. Previous to this communication, in the course of an interaction with you, Madam
President, there was no direct reference to any such transmission. It was rather embarrassing that both you and I had to learn of it from a third party at the luncheon meeting in the presence of representatives of 29 Member States of the Council,” he explained.

He went on to question the High Commissioners impartiality and a loss of confidence in the UNHRC mechanism. “This, regrettably, may lead to a loss of confidence in the Office of the High Commissioner. We believe that she should abide by the same principles that govern the work of the Human Rights Council, such as universality, transparency, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity, with a view to enhancing the promotion and protection of human rights in a fair and equal manner while recognising the importance of the elimination of double standards and politicisation. This incident raises serious concerns regarding the impartiality of the High Commissioner,” Samarasinghe had said.  (Dianne Silva)

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  Comments - 13

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  • TJ Monday, 12 September 2011 10:07 AM

    When UNHCR was was unbiased and fair for the last time? UN is just a play ground for those countries in the West and a Job bank for their Jobless Graduates with social science disciplines

    TJ Monday, 12 September 2011 10:08 AM

    When was UNHCR unbiased and fair for the last time? UN is just a play ground for those countries in the West and a Job bank for their Jobless Graduates with social science disciplines

    Labby Monday, 12 September 2011 10:01 AM

    Ok, so what was the final outcome ?

    dilan Monday, 12 September 2011 10:09 AM

    Good reply by Mr Samarasinghe....

    Nimal Monday, 12 September 2011 10:02 AM

    Excellent minister

    RDF Monday, 12 September 2011 10:03 AM

    It is comforting to know that it is Mr. Mahinda Samarasinghe who is handling this issue and not Prof. GLP.

    TMA Monday, 12 September 2011 10:05 AM

    At least they're graduates. Not friends of president

    rajthas Monday, 12 September 2011 10:19 AM

    wait and see.

    Liya Monday, 12 September 2011 10:27 AM

    Well done Sir. Slam dunk!

    MK Tuesday, 13 September 2011 05:12 AM

    Excellent Mr Samarasinghe.

    Hillary Tuesday, 13 September 2011 05:29 AM

    This move is very harmful to Srilankan citizens may deepen the distance with tamil community who are living at any place in Srilanka

    Patriot Tuesday, 13 September 2011 06:09 AM

    Mahinda Samarasinghe will get SLFP central commity membership at its next scession. What will the SL citizens will get at the next scession of UNHRC? Wait and see.

    len Tuesday, 13 September 2011 09:08 AM

    Slam dunk on what?


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