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Consensus resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka adopted at UNHRC

A consensus resolution to deal with the findings of the UN report into Sri Lanka’s atrocities was adopted by the UN Human Rights Council on Thursday.

The consensus resolution was passed after two weeks of intense drafting negotiations between the co-sponsors, the government of Sri Lanka and civil society activists. CJA warns against attempts to 'water down' UN resolution on Sri Lanka (24 Sep 2015)

The resolution was initially drafted by a core group of sponsors, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America and Sri Lanka.

Albania, Australia, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Poland and Romania signed on to the resolution as co-sponsors.

Welcoming the resolution, Sri Lanka's envoy thanked the council for its support to pass the resolution.

Addressing the human rights council the envoy added, "We are eager to commence widespread recommendations in a manner to expand the ownership of the resolution to all relevant stake holders."

See also:
Sri Lanka says it is ready to begin consultations (02 Oct 2015)
Tamil diaspora critical for meaningful dialogue on Sri Lanka says South Africa (02 Oct 2015)
India reiterates need for meaningful devolution of political authority in Sri Lanka (02 Oct 2015)
Sri Lanka must ‘undertake a difficult but essential journey’ - US (02 Oct 2015)

See finalised text of resolution A_HRC_30_L29 here.
See live twitter feed from statements here.

 

 

 

 

The United States said the goal of the recently passed resolution at the UN Human Rights Council is to “to help Sri Lanka undertake a difficult but essential journey”, with Ambassador Keith Harper telling the council "we welcome that this resolution recognizes the critical role of continued OHCHR engagement.”

Sri Lanka must ‘undertake a difficult but essential journey’ - US (02 Oct 2015)

Speaking to Tamil press shortly after the resolution was passed, TNA Member of Parliament MA Sumanthiran said,

"The resolution was a landmark step forward in the process to achieve accountability, yet there was still a long way to go. To achieve the results we want we will have to participate in the process and work with it to our advantage."

Speaking to the Tamil Guardian shortly after the resolution was passed, Human Rights Watch Geneva Director John Fisher said,

"The government have committed to the expectations and benchmarks in the resolution by co-sponsoring it. Whatever one feels about what may come of the next steps, it seems they are keen to re-establish relations with international community after the tough past. The opportunity now lies before them. Of course the real proof is the extent to which they engage meaningfully with consultations, setting up time frames and deliverables and begin to implement recommendations. Some are complicated and will take time such as what a court with international involvement would look like. However things like legislative reform and engagement with various communities and the messaging they send out domestically about their commitments can be done in the short turm. We will soon see the extent of their commitments to bring about full implementation of the resolution. "

See also:

‘Consultation with victims is paramount’ says BTF (05 Oct 2015)

Significant work to be done to earn trust of Tamil community - CTC (04 Oct 2015)

It is 'incumbent on Sri Lankan government to implement resolution’ says TNA (03 Oct 2015)

NGOs call for internationalised accountability process and monitoring of ongoing violations against victim Tamil community in Sri Lanka (01 Oct 2015)

Deeply concerned about serious weaknesses in the resolution says Wigneswaran (30 Sep 2015)

Strong calls for Sri Lanka to implement said commitments and deliver justice as OISL discussed at UNHRC  (30 Sep 2015)

Justice mechanism controlled by Sri Lanka will not be credible say Tamil parties, civil society and trade unions (29 Sep 2015)

Resolution on Sri Lanka is a 'constructive starting point' - TNA (24 Sep 2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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