US backs Navi's assessment on SL

26 September 2013 12:18 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 21 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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The United States today said the absence of meaningful progress on accountability calls for an international inquiry will persist, as announced by United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillay on Wednesday at the UN Human Rights session in Geneva.

“We note the High Commissioner’s assessment that, absent of meaningful progress on accountability calls for an international inquiry will persist. We call on the Government to implement Council resolutions 19/2 and 22/1, including implementing the constructive recommendations of the LLRC report and conducting an independent and credible investigation into allegations of violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law,” the US representative told the UNHR session in Geneva.

The full statement

The United States commends OHCHR and countries that are cooperating with it on the protection of human rights.

We thank the Deputy High Commissioner for the update on Sri Lanka.

The United States congratulates the people of Sri Lanka on their successful elections in three provinces, and we urge the Government of Sri Lanka to work constructively with the provincial councils and uphold its commitment to devolution of powers.

We echo the High Commissioner’s concerns, in particular regarding restrictions on freedom of expression, attacks on human rights defenders and journalists, and interference with the judiciary. We also share the High Commissioner’s concerns regarding increasing violence and discrimination against religious minorities, the climate of impunity for human rights and humanitarian law violations, and restrictions on peaceful assembly and association, including the shootings of unarmed protesters in Weliweriya.

We note the High Commissioner’s assessment that, absent meaningful progress on accountability calls for an international inquiry will persist. We call on the Government to implement Council resolutions 19/2 and 22/1, including implementing the constructive recommendations of the LLRC report and conducting an independent and credible investigation into allegations of violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law.

We acknowledge the Government of Sri Lanka’s cooperation in hosting the High Commissioner’s visit, and encourage the Government to set dates for visits by all relevant UN special procedures mandate holders. We also encourage the Government to accept offers of technical assistance from the OHCHR.