Special Rapporteur has exceeded his mandate-SL

13 June 2014 09:19 am

The Sri Lankan government charged the Special Rapporteur (SR) on the Human Rights of IDPs of exceeding his mandate, during the Interactive Dialogue at the 26th Human Rights Council session.

Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha in his statement at the Interactive Dialogue on the SR Dr. Chaloka Beyani’s Mission to Sri Lanka, said the mandate has been exceeded by several references and recommendations incorporated in his Report on Sri Lanka including the alleged violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights, the Panel of Experts Report on Sri Lanka and allegations of impunity of security forces.

“The references and recommendations remain at the level of unsubstantiated uncorroborated generalisations or allegations and have exceeded his mandate as stipulated in Council Resolution 5/2,” he added.

Ambasssador Aryasinghe further stated before the Council that the comments and recommendations on Dr. Beyani’s report have also compromised the impartiality and objectivity principles central to the Code of Conduct of Special Procedures Mandate Holders.

“We note that these references are retained in the SR’s Report in spite of the Government’s request that they be deleted,” he said while reiterating the need for special procedures mandate holders to adhere to the Code of Conduct in the execution of their respective mandates.

These statements were made following the address of UN Special Rapporteur on IDPs Dr. Chaloka Beyani at the Interactive Dialogue in which he called upon the Government of Sri Lanka to address grievances of IDPs residing in protracted displacement.

While welcoming the efforts by the Government to develop infrastructure in the conflict affected areas and the de-mining operations carried out in the areas, he stressed on the importance of the post-conflict reconstruction and development being focused on building livelihoods underpinned by durable solutions for IDPs. He had also stressed on the importance of providing durable housing, access to social services and livelihood opportunities to IDPs. (Lakna Paranamanna)