Govt. hasn’t officially informed of non-cooperation: OHCHR

The High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR) said it had not received any official communication from the Sri Lankan Government on the non-cooperation with the Commission of Inquiry investigating alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by both sides during the final phase of the war.

An OHCHR spokesperson told Daily Mirror that despite Government officials including External Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris repeatedly rejecting calls for cooperation with the UNHRC inquiry, the OHCHR had not been formally notified of non-participation in the inquiry.

The spokesperson said the OHCHR remained optimistic concerning the possibility of support by the Sri Lankan Government for the activities of the Commission.

 “We are hopeful the Government will cooperate with the investigation, as it is in the Government's interest to establish the truth in relation to the allegations. The Office intends to brief the Government fully on its work and provide every opportunity for it to engage with the process,” the spokesperson added.

However, the President and government officials have repeatedly rejected the inquiry and had publicly expressed objection to OHCHR proceedings stating that Sri Lanka would not ‘subject itself to the jurisdiction of the UNHRC’.

A US-backed resolution on Sri Lanka was adopted at the 25th UNHRC sessions in March. It mandated an international inquiry into the alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by both sides during the final phase of the conflict. The appointment of the Commission of Inquiry is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

“The OHCHR is currently in the process of setting up the team to conduct the investigation and will make it known in due course,” the spokesperson said.  The projected budget for the investigation has been estimated at UD$1.4 million.

The resolution (HRC25/L1/Rev.1)  was adopted with 23 countries voting in favour, 12 against and 12 abstentions. (Lakna Paranamanna)