US concerned over SL HR violations; issues statement at UNHRC

The US was concerned by ongoing reports of human rights violations and abuses by members of the security services, and recent attacks targeting members of religious minority communities in Sri Lanka, a statement issued by the US with regard to the UN Human Rights Council’s 37th Session in Geneva.

The statement said that the US welcomed the Government’s decision to accept UN recommendations on full implementation of HRC resolution 30/1.”

It said:

“We welcome the recommendation on accountability for the Government’s, including the security forces, human rights violations and abuses, as well as accountability for those responsible for harassment and violence against members of religious minority communities. 

“Although we are pleased with the Government’s support for these recommendations, we are concerned by ongoing reports of human rights violations and abuses by members of the security services, and recent attacks targeting members of religious minority communities.  We urge the government to hold accountable all those responsible for human rights abuses and violations and to protect religious minorities and their places of worship.  We further urge the government to take additional steps to fully implement the commitments it made in HRC resolution 30/1 and reaffirmed in HRC resolution 34/1,” it said.”

It also said they would look forward to seeing Sri Lanka’s progress on implementing the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations accepted by the government over the next five years.