UN studies disappearances in SL

21 March 2011 05:51 pm

United Nations human rights experts had examined over 200 cases of forced disappearances of persons in several countries including Sri Lanka during its recent session held in Mexico City.

The UN said that it is now conducting a mission to learn about Mexico’s efforts in dealing with the issue.

During its 15-18 March session, the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances studied cases concerning Algeria, Bangladesh, China, Colombia, Republic of Congo, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Egypt, Georgia, India, Iraq, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela and Yemen.

The five independent human rights experts also reviewed responses from various governments to its letters and appeals, and held meetings with representatives of Japan and Guatemala, as well as consultations with family members of disappeared persons and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The fact-finding mission will be carried out by three of the group’s experts and a report on the visit will be presented to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council in 2012.