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Core Group on Sri Lanka expresses concerns

28 February 2020 06:21 am - 7     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The United Kingdom, Canada and other members of the ‘Core Group on Sri Lanka’ informed the UN Human Rights Council on Thursday that they were ‘deeply disappointed and concerned’ over the Sri Lankan government’s decision to withdraw its co-sponsorship of a 2015 resolution.

“We are deeply disappointed and concerned that the government has changed its approach to the resolution.” 

“We remain profoundly committed to resolution 30/1 and its principles of reconciliation, accountability, intercommunal harmony, and justice for victims of conflict,” UK’s International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French said delivering the joint statement by the Core Group on Sri Lanka.

The Core Group is comprised of Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Montenegro and the UK.

Full Statement

Joint Statement by the Core Group on Sri Lanka

This statement is on behalf of Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Montenegro and the UK, the Core Group on Sri Lanka.

We thank the High Commissioner for her update on Sri Lanka.

In 2015, Sri Lanka co-sponsored resolution 30/1, which provided a framework to address the legacy of conflict and build the foundations for sustainable and inclusive peace. Sri Lanka committed to delivering progress on accountability, reconciliation and human rights with the support of the Council and reaffirmed those commitments through two further resolutions. As the High Commissioner’s report highlights, these resolutions have their origins in Sri Lanka’s domestic processes.

These resolutions are hugely significant for Sri Lanka and for this Council. They marked the end of a period of confrontation with voted resolutions and an international investigation. They heralded the start of a partnership and a sense of common purpose between Sri Lanka and the Council.

From 2015, important steps have been taken, as recognized in successive Council reports. We join the High Commissioner in welcoming the significant progress in institution building including through the establishment of the Office of Reparations and the Office on Missing Persons. Fulfillment of the mandates of these offices would bring hope to those left behind following tens of thousands of cases of enforced disappearances over many years.

Following the resolution, human rights defenders, academics and journalists have had more freedom and experienced less intimidation. However, we share the High Commissioner’s concern at the growing number of reports of harassment and surveillance of human rights defenders and victims of human rights violations. The protection of civil society, independent media and human rights institutions from intimidation remains critical to fulfill Sri Lanka’s commitment to a free and open democratic society, both in the build up to, and beyond the upcoming Parliamentary elections.

We are deeply disappointed and concerned that the government has changed its approach to the resolution. We remain profoundly committed to resolution 30/1 and its principles of reconciliation, accountability, intercommunal harmony, and justice for victims of conflict.

We urge the government of Sri Lanka to advance all of these principles and to ensure a prosperous and inclusive Sri Lanka for which the rule of law and ending impunity are a fundamental basis.

We encourage the government of Sri Lanka to continue cooperation and dialogue with the Council, the OHCHR, and UN human rights mechanisms, to facilitate progress towards a lasting peace where the rights of all of Sri Lanka’s people can flourish.

Thank you Madam President


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  Comments - 7

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  • Gayan Friday, 28 February 2020 10:35 AM

    What is the selection criteria for 'core group'? White skin?

    stardust Friday, 28 February 2020 10:39 AM

    so, what will they do ? Only words, no action ??

    Jude Friday, 28 February 2020 11:32 AM

    Hey you core group!, take note!! There's NEW Sheriff in Town by the name GOTA!!!

    nihal Jinadasa Friday, 28 February 2020 11:35 AM

    What benefits given to the affected people over the past 4 years with these Res., except 1st Class traveling

    Gamarala Widanagamage Friday, 28 February 2020 12:22 PM

    Qualification ? Colonial masters with poor HR record in the countries they ruled

    Sokrates Friday, 28 February 2020 03:35 PM

    A good statement. But what is now needed is stern action to get Gota and his war criminals on the balls

    Haramanis Friday, 28 February 2020 04:14 PM

    This Core group must first address their past criminal behavior and continuing violations of human rights. Canada with its maltreatment and discrimination against the Inuit and Metis and Germany the killing of millions of Jews and the UK responsible for rape murder and slavery in the African and Asian nations


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