The United Kingdom today expressed readiness to support Sri Lanka as it works to implement the resolution adopted at the UNHRC and the wider recommendations of the OISL report. 

The UK’s representative at the council in Geneva said the country is pleased to be among the main sponsors of the draft resolution L29 entitled ‘Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka’. 

While this is the fourth resolution of this council with this title, it is the first to have received co-sponsorship of the government of Sri Lanka, he said. “This is a truly historic development for Sri Lanka and this council.” 

He expressed the United Kingdom’s sincere appreciation to the government of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan delegation in Geneva for their constructive engagement of the text which had led to the draft resolution. 

The UK also paid special tribute to those in civil society who have worked tirelessly for many years to keep the international community engaged on the promotion of human rights reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka. 

“All of the resolutions on Sri Lanka at this council from 2012 onwards have been inspired by civil society actors inside and outside Sri Lanka,” he said. 

“We simply would not have got to this point without the steadfast determination of courageous human rights defenders working in Sri Lanka often at great personal risk to ensure the voices of victims were herd.” 

“This draft is a testament to their achievements.” 

The UK stated that many difficult challenges lie ahead for Sri Lanka. “But we must draw help and inspiration from the positive changes which have taken place inside the country and from the clear commitments expressed by the Sri Lankan government this session.” 

As we move forward it will be essential to work in partnership with Sri Lanka, he said. “We stand ready to give our support as Sri Lanka works to implement this resolution and the wider recommendations of the OISL report.” 

“We urge others to join us in doing so.”