13:29 CET
India today outlined that it would abstain from voting on the resolution promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka, moments before member states are set to vote.
Despite noting findings from the UN Human Rights Chief’s report that outlined Sri Lanka’s failure to perform credible independent investigations into atrocities, the Indian representative urged the council to ‘enable Sri Lanka’ to perform an ‘independent comprehensive and credible national investigative mechanism’ to provide justice and accountability for Sri Lankan atrocities.
Stressing India’s firm belief that, “an intrusive approach that undermines national sovereignty and institutions is counter productive,” the Indian representative added,
“We are therefore concerned that the resolution has the potential to hinder efforts of the country”
The Indian envoy finally concluded,
“It is for these reasons that my delegation cannot go along with the resolution and will abstain in the vote on it.”
Full statement reproduced below.
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