Sri Lanka will sign the International Convention on Enforced Disappearances today, marking International Human Rights Day, said the country's foreign minister, Mangala Samaraweera in a statement marking International Human Rights Day.
"Today is International Human Rights Day. And as in the past, Sri Lanka will join the countries of the world in commemorating this important event. But this year, Sri Lanka’ commemorations will not only be symbolic – they will also be substantive," he said.
"So I am very pleased to announce that Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to
the UN will be signing the International Convention on Enforced Disappearances later today in New York," he added.
His statement came as Tamil families whose loved ones remain missing protested in Mannar against disappearances and the Northern Provincial Council demanded the UN to secure the Tamil people's human rights.
Mr Samaraweera went on to say:
"We all know that this is an issue that has plagued and pained our nation for long years.""All, irrespective of race, religion, language or geographic location, have been affected by this crime for several decades, even in situations that are unrelated to conflict or unrest."
"The criminalization of enforced disappearance will provide protection to each and every citizen of this country from this crime and will help ensure that the terror of the White Van culture does not reign in our society ever again."
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