Addressing a panel discussion at the UN Human Rights Council Monday, Sri Lanka’s permanent representative to Geneva called for an investigation into the use of armed drones to ensure it is in line with international human rights and humanitarian law.
“Sri Lanka is therefore greatly concerned about the increasing use of remotely piloted aircrafts or armed drones in counter terrorism operations, violating the international human rights and humanitarian laws in particular the principle of proportion, distinction and proportionality,” said Ambassador Ravinath Aryasinha.
“Sri Lanka calls on all actors to ensure that the use of remotely piloted air crafts or armed drones in counter terrorism strategies be carried out in compliance with international law, including international human rights law and humanitarian law, and respecting the sovereignty of states,” he added.
“As a country that has suffered with the scourge of terrorism for over three decades, Sri Lanka fully understands the need to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
A few countries are reportedly using the armed drones equipped with missiles, violating the sovereign air space of other states and causing civilian casualties. In this context, Sri Lanka supports the call by the Council to ensure that incidents of killings of civilians during the use of remotely piloted aircraft or armed drones are prompted investigated in a transparent manner, in an accountable manner and victims are appropriately compensated.”
See here for Sri Lanka’s view on the need for accountability into the mass killing of Tamils by its own security forces purported to be undertaking a counter terrorism offensive.