The European Union (EU) today said that it will continue to support Sri Lanka as it looks to work in partnership with the international community to implement its commitments as it moves forward on the path of reconciliation, justice and progress on human rights.

The following comments were made by the EU representative at the UNHRC in Geneva during the general debate on the report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka:

“The European Union wishes to congratulate the High Commissioner and his office for the report on Sri Lanka. We welcome and support the clear recommendations it contains. 

The OISL report documents in a clear and authoritative manner truly terrible events indicating that war crimes and crimes against humanity were likely committed by both sides  to the conflict and over a long period of time. 

We express our deepest solidarity with the victims and their relatives and we convey our sincere admiration for the manner in which the victims have contributed to the work of the OISL and have thereby placed their confidence in the human rights council. 

We hope that this report will make a major contribution to the efforts to establish truth and deliver justice in Sri Lanka as it seeks to address the legacy of the civil war which continues to have a profound impact on so many Sri Lankans today. 

We also wish to welcome the historic commitments made by the government of Sri Lanka during this session. The resolution tabled by the core group and Sri Lanka makes a crucial step towards a credible transitional justice process in Sri Lanka with the active support and participation of the international community. 

The full implementation of these commitments  is now needed starting with prompt action on a fully participatory national consultation especially with the victims for the design of a comprehensive justice process as well as the immediate adoption of essential confidence-building measures. 

The European Union will continue to support Sri Lanka as it looks to work in partnership with the international community to implement its commitments as it moves forward on the path of reconciliation, justice and progress on human rights. 

As a first step we will closely engage with the government of Sri Lanka to further strengthen the dialog on government’s rule of law and human rights. 

The European Union will also explore with the government of Sri Lanka how best to assist in the implementation of the resolution.”