Human Rights Watch has called upon the UN Human Rights Council to vote in favour of a resolution on Sri Lanka and support an international investigation into allegations of war crimes.
Juliette De Rivero, Geneva director for the organisation, stated,
“The Human Rights Council needs to step in and act for justice because Sri Lanka has failed to do so.”
“Instead of investigating those responsible for atrocities, the Sri Lankan government has cynically absolved its forces of any wrongdoing and lashed out at those seeking accountability. Passing this resolution will send a strong message to all victims of Sri Lanka’s war that they have not been forgotten.”
The Council looks set to vote on a resolution on Sri Lanka later today, with the draft resolution calling on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to carry out a "comprehensive investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes".
Rivero added,
“This resolution provides Sri Lanka with a real opportunity to move forward on an issue of increasing international concern... Sri Lanka should seize the moment and work with the UN to deliver what the victims of the war need: justice.”