20 February 2021 04:40 am
The Core Group on Sri Lanka yesterday said a new resolution to be tabled at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva will promote reconciliation, accountability and human rights in the country.
The Human Rights Council will begin to meet on Monday for its 46th Session, during which a report on Sri Lanka will also be formally tabled by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet.
The Core Group on Sri Lanka said that it has been in talks with the Government of Sri Lanka in preparation for the upcoming Council session.
In a statement issued yesterday the Core Group on Sri Lanka said it is clear more needs to be done to address harmful legacies of war and build sustainable peace in the country.
The statement issued on behalf of Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Malawi,
Montenegro and the UK, paid tribute to the people of Sri Lanka and highlighted the ongoing commitment of the Core Group to accountability, reconciliation and inclusive peace in Sri Lanka.
“We recognise and welcome the progress made by the Government of Sri Lanka in rebuilding infrastructure, demining, land return and resettling internally displaced persons. However, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the harmful legacies of war and build a sustainable peace in the country,” the Core Group on Sri Lanka said.
The Core Group on Sri Lanka noted that this month, the United Nations Human
Rights Council will consider an important report recently published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), on human rights, reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka.
“It has been important for the Core Group to work collaboratively and constructively with the Government of Sri Lanka over the last five years. Consequently, we have engaged with the Government of Sri Lanka in preparation for the Council,” the Core Group on Sri Lanka said.
The Core Group restated the ongoing importance of addressing Sri Lanka in the Human Rights Council. (EASWARAN RUTNAM)