SL failed to keep war probe promises: UN

13 February 2013 07:36 am - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka has failed to honour promises to investigate serious rights abuses and allegations that thousands of civilians were killed in the final stages of its ethnic war, a UN report says.

The report by human rights experts, which was submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday, found that investigations by local authorities were inconclusive and were not independent or impartial.

"The steps taken to investigate allegations of serious violations of human rights have been inconclusive, and lack the independence and impartiality required to inspire confidence," according to the report seen by AFP on Wednesday.

The document, compiled by experts who visited Sri Lanka in September, asked the government to establish a "truth seeking mechanism" to address "transitional justice" in a country emerging from nearly four decades of ethnic strife.

It said grave human rights violations, including the killing of 17 aid workers of a French charity in August 2006, had not been probed despite government promises swiftly to bring perpetrators to justice.

There was also no transparency in alleged military investigations into claims of summary executions during the final stages of the war.

UN figures show that up to 100,000 people were killed between 1972 and May 2009, when security forces declared victory over Tamil Tiger separatists who had fought for independence for minority Tamils in the Sinhalese-majority state.

The bloody finale to the ethnic conflict drew international condemnation and sparked allegations that up to 40,000 civilians were killed by security forces in the last months of fighting, a charge Sri Lanka denies.

The UN expert report was commissioned after the United States moved a resolution at the UNHRC asking Sri Lanka to probe war crimes and ensure accountability for civilian loss of life.

The experts said that "continuing reports of extrajudicial killings, abductions and enforced disappearance in the past year highlight the urgency of action to combat impunity".

The US has already announced that it will move another censure motion against Sri Lanka at the current UNHRC sessions in Geneva to force the government of President Mahinda Rajapakse to deliver on his promises.

The experts said attacks on independent media and rights activists continued in Sri Lanka and there were also allegations of extra-judicial killings of prisoners.(Source: Times of india)

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Comments - 10

Partial Wednesday, 13 February 2013 07:54 AM

Here we go again. Why can't the Government address this issue with substance to get out of this continuous circus once and for all.

Ralph Wednesday, 13 February 2013 12:00 AM

It is always the same old story with this puppet organisation UN. Resembles me of the Kopi Kade teledrama. When help is required they have no resources. But when it comes to pointing fingers and post issue critics the are all over. What a waste of time and money.! These resources can certianly be used for better things. Protection of Child labour for example. via DM Android App

cook Wednesday, 13 February 2013 12:00 AM

hijak via DM Android App

Rohan Wednesday, 13 February 2013 11:31 AM

These are tit- for- tat politis. What if the Sri Lankan Soldiers were made available to the Afhghan war. US didn't get the nod from President Rajapakse and they are unhappy. US is trying to withdraw all the troops in the near future and Obama would have been happy if Sri Lankan soldiers could be deployed for the chop.
I really don't know how these people get a figure of 100,000 and 40,000???? It is also good to note that Channel 4 is getting ready for their broadcast helped by the tamil diaspora. Tamil Diaspora is smart to line the pockets of C4 as they need the money whatever is broadcast the way they want.

Ranil Wednesday, 13 February 2013 11:34 AM

First prepare the list of the persons who shoul;d be hanged for war crimes and check with US/EU if the list is OK. If the names of the targeted personnel are not included this witch hunt will continue. It is not human rights, but the revenge for not heeding to their call. when Prabakaran was cornered.. .

Nodrog Wednesday, 13 February 2013 11:38 AM

The UN's double-standards makes it so apparent as to who is in control there. Definitely NOT Ban Ki. Their selective finger-pointing is disgusting by their ignoring crimes against humanity still being carried out by the US in Afghanistan.

Saskia Wednesday, 13 February 2013 01:04 PM

First, correct yourself. SL has agreed to do investigation of alleged war crime. First do it and prove that SL is clean. Then criticize others.

union Wednesday, 13 February 2013 01:46 PM

Our achievement never recognized.
1. Corrupting the legal system by appointing puppet Chief Justice.
2. Continue to recognize alleged war criminals.
3. Relentless delivery of lies and nonsense by leadership.
4. Not having any intension of providing space for minorities to reach their reasonable political aspiration.
5. Forcible encroachment of land and other property owned by minorities.
6. Helping illegal boat people to reach Aussi through connected party to president.
We are the wonder of Asia

union Wednesday, 13 February 2013 01:55 PM

For your information.. US never asked SL to send troops to Afhghan and this was confirmed by the president. In fact government intentionally made a false propaganda and subsequently denied it to let the US know that SL is prepared to sacrifices young lad in thousands to save few war criminals connected to president. Our soldiers life are so cheap to our leadership.

galapitamada Thursday, 14 February 2013 09:45 AM

yes of course mr ranil might is right and not right is might as u have displayed in the past .Anyway u and mr r prepared to die for the land

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SL failed to keep war probe promises: UN

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