SL warns of a dangerous precedent

2 March 2012 07:29 pm - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka has said that “a dangerous precedent is again sought to be established by way of a debate on the recommendations of a domestic process which Sri Lanka condemns as a retrogressive step that undermines the constitutional parameters of this Council (UNHRC).”

Making a statement by Ambassador Tamara Kunanayakam,Sri Lankan Permanent Representative to the United Nations during the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on her Annual Report on Friday, she also expressed concerns ‘the insidious attempt to selectively target Sri Lanka that seeks to set at nought our post conflict resurgence.”

Full statement:

“We have taken note of the comments made by the High Commissioner (Navi Pillay) on the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission and while unreservedly dissenting with the observations of the High Commissioner on its domestic process vis a vis the UN Secretary General’s Panel, we would like to highlight, at the expense of repetition, that the LLRC report reflects the emblematic parameters of rule of law strategies, which have been earnestly taken note of by my Government for speedy implementation.

A dangerous precedent is again sought to be established by way of a debate on the recommendations of a domestic process which Sri Lanka condemns as a retrogressive step that undermines the constitutional parameters of this Council.

You will appreciate that the panel report that the High Commissioner referred to, was the culmination of a private consultation that the Secretary General sought to advise himself and is not the product or a request of the Human Rights Council, the General Assembly nor any other UN body. Its mandate did not extend to fact finding or investigation. In its report the Panel also makes it patently clear that the assertions set out therein remain unsubstantiated and require a higher standard of proof.

We all bear in mind that both the Panel report and LLRC recommendation share a common denominator which the High Commissioner conveniently omitted to highlight. Neither originated from this Council !

What concerns us and our people is the insidious attempt to selectively target Sri Lanka that seeks to set at nought our post conflict resurgence.
Let us recall that the Human Rights Council was created in response to the politicization, selectivity and double standards of the former Commission.
The UPR is the appropriate mechanism to discuss progress made in the promotion and protection of human rights of all countries. Sri Lanka will be presenting its report during the second cycle of the UPR in October this year. In the Council, there is no provision that permits debates and resolutions on processes that did not generate from the four corners of the institution- building of the Council.

The majority of the international community supports our efforts as reflected in the statements made by the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation, which have expressed their support for our stand that a functioning domestic mechanism should not be circumvented by interference until its conclusion,” Kunanayakam concluded.

During the session Pillay stated “I welcome the publication by the Government of Sri Lanka last December of its Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission. While the report falls short of the comprehensive accountability process recommended by the Secretary-General’s Panel of Experts, it does make important recommendations. I encourage the Government to engage with the Special Procedures and with my Office on follow up to the report. I also hope the Council will discuss these important reports.

States have an obligation to protect their citizens from threats to their security in a manner that respects human rights. My Office has assisted States develop and implement security policies, including counter-terrorism measures in accordance with international human rights law. We have seen the lifting of long-standing emergency measures in Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Fiji, although some provisions restricting fundamental rights remained or have been reintroduced. Over the past year, I have also expressed concerns about the rights of detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, and my deep disappointment at the failure to close this detention facility,” she said.

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Comments - 20

gamunu Saturday, 03 March 2012 09:48 AM

Very effective & concise reply to all lovers of human rights. Happy to see our lady fighting for our Motherland. Proud of you Madam ambassodor

Gaja Banda Sunday, 04 March 2012 11:45 AM

The majority of whom are diaspora living in Toronto, Canada.

RAJU Sunday, 04 March 2012 08:51 AM

RUBBISH!! WARNING TO WHOME? END OF THE DAY SRILANKA WILL BE ISOLATED FROM THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA, AND PEOPLE HAVE TO EAT SAND.

jayawic Sunday, 04 March 2012 05:43 AM

Never mind dear It was all lives we expended for 30 yrs so forget only short period for better long period.

reader Saturday, 03 March 2012 05:29 PM

looks like all these negative commenter wants their mother land in trouble what a sad state

remedy Saturday, 03 March 2012 03:58 PM

whoever ask Jistice is justice , Truth is truth ,why fear? right?

Jegan Saturday, 03 March 2012 02:35 PM

Take your time to think about those in N/E,your "peace" came at the expense of their lives!!

Nodrog Saturday, 03 March 2012 10:29 AM

While not believing the GOSL is doing all it can to investigate the allegations of human right violations and address 'grievances' of the tamils I also feel this should be an internal matter to be dealt with by ourselves without any unsolicited help. Those trying to crucify us also have skeletons to hide so its best they heed their own advise first before castigating us.

gracian fernando Saturday, 03 March 2012 09:54 AM

MOST OF THE GUIES MAKEE COMMENTS ARE MAY BE OUT OF SENCE OR NOT IN A PROPER MENTALITY
OR NOT REALLY SRI LANKAN OTHRWISE NOT BORN IN SRILANKA , FOR GODSHAKE THINK ABOUT THE PEACE WE ENJOY TODAY- JUST THINK ABOUT TIME WE GONE THROUGH BEFORE MAY 2009 NO ONE WAS SAFE WHERE WAS THIS UNHRC

law Friday, 02 March 2012 07:35 PM

Please stop these nonsense and start investigating all daily abductions !

Sumedha Saturday, 03 March 2012 09:17 AM

Depends on the motives of who is asking

remedy Saturday, 03 March 2012 07:39 AM

asking for justice is DANGEROUS?? asking for truth is dangerous??

sinha ranasinha Saturday, 03 March 2012 07:05 AM

Great speech Madam Tamara Kunanayakam. Great Sri Lankan Daughter

faqi Saturday, 03 March 2012 07:03 AM

Very highly commendable the speech by Ambassador Tamara Kunanayakam,Sri Lankan Permanent Representative at the UN

R.Dias Saturday, 03 March 2012 06:30 AM

Hik......Hik.....Hik....

Aceman Saturday, 03 March 2012 06:21 AM

Well played Madam Ambassador!! You are a true daughter of mother Lanka.

xlntgson Saturday, 03 March 2012 05:17 AM

Tara de mel or Tamara Kunanayagam, will the hawks, influential few running most of the affairs, approve?

R.Suntharalingam Saturday, 03 March 2012 02:02 AM

She should lie for the good of the Country. Yet there is nothing wrong in accepting the shortcomings and assuring a go ahead.It is better to accept at least at this stage and start the mending process.Do not stand on false prestige.

TMA Saturday, 03 March 2012 01:54 AM

What SL wouldn't do for votes

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SL warns of a dangerous precedent

Comments - 20

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