A first draft of the US sponsored resolution on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council calling for an investigation into alleged abuses by both parties to the conflict to be led by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Navi Pillay has been tabled.
The draft resolution which was reportedly tabled yesterday titled “Promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka” has been submitted by the United States, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Montenegro, FYR of Macedonia, and Mauritius
It requested the Office of the High Commissioner to assess progress toward accountability and reconciliation, monitor relevant national processes and to investigate alleged violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka.
The Resolution HRC 25/1 welcomes and acknowledges the progress made by the Government of Sri Lanka in rebuilding, infrastructure, demining and resettling the majority of internally displaced persons.
However, the resolution notes that considerable work lies ahead in the areas of justice, reconciliation, demilitarization, and the resumption of livelihoods, and stressing the importance of the full participation of local populations, including representatives of civil society and minorities in the efforts.
The resolution expressed alarm at the rapid rise in violence and discrimination on the basis of religion or belief, particularly against members of religious minority groups.
It called upon the government to fulfill its public commitments, including the devolution of political authority which is integral to reconciliation and the full enjoyment of human rights by all members of population.
The resolution reiterated that the national plan of action established to implement recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) does not adequately address all of the findings and recommendations of the LLRC asked the government to broaden the scope of the plan.
It called upon the Sri Lankan government to cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner concerning the implementation of the resolution.
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