Breaking News

Delay of UN report must not herald impunity: AI

17 Feb 2015 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The UN Human Rights Council’s decision to delay the release of the report into alleged human rights violations during the conflict in Sri Lanka must not allow the perpetrators of those crimes to escape punishment, Amnesty International said.

“Sri Lankan victims of human rights violations deserve truth and justice. Survivors of torture, including sexual abuse, people whose family members were killed or forcibly disappeared have waited a long time for this report,” Amnesty International Asia-Pacific Director Richard Bennett said yesterday.

He said a delay is only justifiable if more time will lead to a stronger document and to a concrete commitment by the new Sri Lankan authorities to actively pursue accountability.

“This includes by co-operating with the UN to investigate conflict-era abuses and bring perpetrators to justice,” he said and added that the Human Rights Council must also be vigilant and ensure that all those coming forward to give testimony are protected from any potential threats from those who do not want justice to prevail.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein has said “I give my personal, absolute and unshakeable commitment that the report will be published by September” and that he had received a clear commitment from the new Sri Lankan authorities to cooperate on various issues related to the UN investigation.

Breaking News

Delay of UN report must not herald impunity: AI

Most Popular Articles

Alleged mastermind behind Rs. 210 Billion illegal Dollar transfer network arrested

Sri Lankan Rupee appreciates further against US Dollar

Mahayaya Vinita Thera no longer a monk, probe underway

Sri Lankan monk among seven arrested in Boston prostitution sting, resigns from post

Sri Lanka find right combination in WI defeat

India ready for work once Sri Lanka green-lights project

Latest News

Sri Lanka is the world’s top trending wellness destination for 2026

Youth unemployment declines: Deputy Minister

Veteran Tamil filmmaker, writer K Bhagyaraj dies at 73

Hermi unveils 400km EVs

President’s US$ 1 billion loss claim: COPF to inquire from Central Bank officials