UN Chief appoints panel

22 June 2010 04:46 pm - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Jamila Najmuddin

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has named a three member panel to advise him on human rights issues relating to Sri Lanka, a UN Spokesperson in New York told Daily Mirror online a short while ago adding that the panel will be headed by former Indonesian Attorney General Marzuki Darusman.

The UN official said that the Sri Lankan government has been informed of the panel named tonight. The government has so far strongly objected to moves by the UN chief to form the panel but there was no immediate reaction to the news tonight.

The spokesperson said that the Secretary-General had appointed the Panel of Experts to advise him on the issue of accountability with regard to any alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law during the final stages of the conflict in Sri Lanka.

The other members of the panel are Yasmin Sooka, a former member of the South Africa Truth and Reconciliation Commission and American lawyer Steven Ratner.

“The Panel will advise the Secretary-General on the implementation of the commitment on human rights accountability made in the Joint Statement

issued by President Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka and the Secretary-General during the latter’s visit to Sri Lanka in May 2009. It will look into the modalities, applicable international standards and comparative experience with regard to accountability processes, taking into account the nature and scope of any alleged violations in Sri Lanka. It will be available as a resource to Sri Lankan authorities should they wish to avail themselves of its expertise in implementing the commitment,” the UN spokesperson told Daily Mirror online.

In the conduct of its mandate, the Panel hopes to cooperate with concerned officials in Sri Lanka and is expected to complete its advisory responsibilities within four months of the commencement of its work.

The Secretary-General remains convinced that accountability is an essential foundation for durable peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Through the Panel the Secretary General expects to enable the United Nations to make a constructive contribution in this regard, the UN spokesperson added.

However External Affairs Minister G.L Peiris had what he had termed as an “urgent” meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa this evening and it was believed that the naming of the panel by the UN Chief may have been discussed.

The Minister, who was attending the launch of a website this evening said that he had to cut short his participation at the event as he had to attend an urgent meeting with the President. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 13

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 06:49 PM

Let us wait and see who wins this 'tug-a-war.'

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 07:29 PM

Only the international community has the power to put pressure on the government.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 07:43 PM

Let's hope that the truth will see 'the light of the day.'

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 09:28 PM

If the SL government did not violate international law, then it can come-out with the proof and show it to the world.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 09:32 PM

The losers are always the poor and powerless.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 10:34 PM

This is a very good news for all peace-loving Sri Lankans!

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 10:55 PM

From which parts of utopia can you find governments fighting ruthless terrorism, according to international law?

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 11:05 PM

Criminals shouldn't be allowed to go 'Scott-free'!

Tuesday, 22 June 2010 11:43 PM

Ask Wimal & the JHU to demonstrate in front of the UN office.

willows Wednesday, 23 June 2010 03:59 AM

after sri lanka, UN going to have panel for UK, USA wrong doings etc??? what a joke

Deshan lankaputhra Wednesday, 23 June 2010 08:29 AM

What a joke.USA & UK are biggest violators of the human rights & international law. No action for them by puppet Ban Ki Moon.

Dan Wednesday, 23 June 2010 10:34 AM

Let us hope this committee will do the justioce. No need to panic if the government did what is right. Avoid unnecessary remarks and ask God of Justice to work.

SriLankan Wednesday, 23 June 2010 10:52 AM

So then people in the government should be punished, since I don't see anything wrong in that because the General Fonseka fought terrorism but in custody on certain charges.

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UN Chief appoints panel

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