SL wins backing of 22 nations against UN rights probe

27 September 2014 09:09 am - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Sri Lanka has won the backing of 22 nations in its battle against the UN's war crimes probe into the country's human rights record during its brutal civil war.

A government statement said the countries in a joint statement had termed the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution passed last March as an intrusive mandate and unwarranted in the context of Sri Lanka's own local investigation.

The likeminded group chaired by Egypt included Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, China, Cuba, Ecuador, Indonesia, Iran, North Korea, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Russia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

This support was in addition to the concerns raised by India as Sri Lanka's all important giant neighbour had questioned the methodology of the investigation.
This is in view of Sri Lanka's decision not to cooperate with the investigation.

India backed the US-sponsored 2012 and 2013 UNHRC resolutions which pinned Colombo to a credible process of reconciliation with the Tamil minority.
However, India much to the delight of Sri Lanka abstained at the crucial vote last March which mandated an international investigation.

Sri Lanka's opposition is based on its reliance to deliver reconciliation and justice through its own mechanism.

Colombo dubs the UN investigation as one which impedes its sovereignty.

The UNHRC resolution had alleged war crimes blamed on both government troops and LTTE rebels during the final phase of the three-decade civil war. (New Indian express)

Full text of the LMG statement

"Mr. President,

It is the second time this year that we are engaging on the situation of Sri Lanka in this Council.

Sri Lanka has regularly briefed this Council on the reconciliation process and developments in that country since the end of the conflict, despite its non-recognition of the resolution 25/1. We also note that Sri Lanka has continued to engage with regular mechanisms of this Council, including special procedures, treaty bodies and the UPR.

We recognize these efforts and encourage Sri Lanka to continue its endeavours towards achieving reconciliation in an inclusive and comprehensive manner. We also note Sri Lanka's efforts to share experiences with its regional and international partners towards this end.

We therefore believe that the intrusive mandate given to the OHCHR by Res. 25/1 to carry out investigations on Sri Lanka is unwarranted, especially in the context where the country is implementing its own domestic processes.

OHCHR's efforts should contribute to a state's own efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights, as stipulated in the UNGA Res. 48/141, UNGA Res. 60/251, UNGA Res. 65/281 and in the IB package. These core documents do not confer any oversight authority to the OHCHR over sovereign countries. Any external assistance to countries should expressly be in consultation with and with the consent of that country.

However, in contravention of these fundamental principles, Resolution 25/1 calls for 'comprehensive investigation' by the OHCHR, thereby vesting an investigative authority on the office.

As we have observed, successive resolutions on Sri Lanka have not enjoyed the consensus of the Council members. This was amply evident by the divided vote of 14 against, 10 abstentions on OP 10 of resolution 25/1, which sought to establish the OHCHR investigation.

The international community should be mindful not to jeopardize the delicate process of reconciliation that is already underway in Sri Lanka. Constructive dialogue in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation in keeping with the accepted norms of international engagement is key in ensuring and promoting universal respect for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

Naming and shaming countries through country specific action based on politically motivated agenda, neither bodes well for human rights nor the future and the credibility of this Council. We should also be mindful not to set dangerous precedents, which may adversely affect all our countries".

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka

Geneva

26 September 2014

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 9

mount Saturday, 27 September 2014 04:01 PM

Well try.

kalanasiri Saturday, 27 September 2014 11:40 AM

That's a list of the most repressive nations on the planet.

premalal Saturday, 27 September 2014 11:41 AM

What an impressive list.

Sammy Saturday, 27 September 2014 12:22 PM

Birds of the same feather flock together1

kumar Sunday, 28 September 2014 11:05 AM

Somalia and Syria not included in the list.

Mason Sunday, 28 September 2014 01:32 PM

There are nearly 200 member nations in the UN. Those who are supporting Sri Lanka are like minded and have a very poor record in Human Rights implementation.

keeth Monday, 29 September 2014 06:31 AM

Human rights champions like america is not in this list. How many
people killed by them in Iraq, Afganistan ,Syria and Libiya?

Old citizen Monday, 29 September 2014 08:54 AM

Won or lost a few more supporters.

Perumal Monday, 29 September 2014 10:15 AM

[quote name="premalal"]What an impressive list.[/quote]
Only 21 of them in the above list. Sri Lanka may be the remaining one!!

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

SL wins backing of 22 nations against UN rights probe

Comments - 9

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

New Visa procedure implemented

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident