New Resolution on Sri Lanka Falls Short: Time for UNHRC to Take Decisive Action

For Immediate Release

March 3rd, 2014

New Resolution on Sri Lanka Falls Short: Time for UNHRC to Take Decisive Action

GENEVA, Switzerland – The Twenty Fifth Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council commenced today in Geneva with mounting calls for an international, independent investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the parties to the conflict during the last stage of the war in Sri Lanka.

In her report on Promoting Reconciliation and Accountability in Sri Lanka, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay criticizes Sri Lanka’s, “increasingly authoritarian direction,” and condemns the government’s failure to investigate credible allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. She concludes that domestic investigative mechanisms have consistently failed, and that an international, independent mechanism is required in Sri Lanka.

The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, in his opening address to Council today, welcomed the High Commissioner’s report. In her high level address to the Council, Canadian Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular Services) the Honorable Lynne Yelich expressed Canada’s concern that in Sri Lanka, “previous internal mechanisms have regrettably remained secret, partial or unfulfilled.” She concluded by reaffirming Canada’s support for an international inquiry mechanism.

Despite these repeated calls, a proposed draft of a new resolution on Sri Lanka, revealed on Monday, fails to offer any meaningful progress towards accountability, let alone reconciliation. The proposed resolution effectively mutes the chorus of calls for an International Commission of Inquiry, and instead continues to give Sri Lanka time and space. The proposal appears to seek the High Commissioner’s assistance in undertaking an investigation, however, it does not give her the mandate, resources, or direction to investigate and make a legal finding of fact.

In 2011, the Secretary General’s Panel of Experts report concluded that there exists sufficient evidence that could prove allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Any resolution with the purpose of ascertaining accountability and reconciliation on the island needs to be a continuum of the process that began with the Panel of Experts report. It is incumbent upon Council members to ensure that a final resolution captures the dire need for meaningful accountability.

“The overwhelming calls for an independent, international investigation in Sri Lanka can no longer be ignored. Incremental pressure on Sri Lanka has clearly failed, and it is time for the United Nations Human Rights Council to establish an International Commission of Inquiry that will bring the victims justice. The UNHRC cannot continue to evade its duties and responsibilities under international law,” stated Gary Anandasangaree, Legal Counsel, Canadian Tamil Congress.

For media inquiries: Canadian Tamil Congress Head Office: 416-240-0078