In a statement delivered to the 28th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Danish Foreign Minister Martin Lindegaard highlighted victims of human rights abuses from around the world, including Sri Lanka.

See excerpts below:

"For a moment in January, we were all Charlie in solidarity with the victims of a horrific crime in Paris. A month later the world showed solidarity with the victims of a similar attack in Copenhagen,

"In the same spirit, the many hours of hectic work that lie before this Council in the coming weeks must be done in solidarity with - and with a constant focus on - the victims of human rights violations all around the world,

South Africa's Minister of International Relations Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, speaking at the Human Rights Council on Tuesday, said only the people of Sri Lanka can determine their destiny, with the support of the international community.

"We are encouraged by the recent developments in Sri Lanka and recognise that it is only the people of Sri Lanka that can determine their destiny. The international community should stand ready to support them," she said.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Al Hussain said the deferral of the report was a "singular opportunity" for the government of Sri Lanka to lay foundations for justice and lasting peace.

Speaking during the presentation of his annual report, the high commissioner urged Sri Lanka to consult with victims when designing mechanisms, and not repeat failures of the past.

Mr Hussain repeated his reason for deferring the OISL report to September, saying it was based on his "assessment of the changing context in Sri Lanka, the broad signals of cooperation I have received from the Government, and the possibility that new information will become available for the report."

Several countries have reaffirmed their commitment to the OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lankan and its discussion in September, during the interactive debate on High Commissioner Zeid Al Hussain's annual report on Thursday at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

After Sri Lanka was mentioned by several countries and NGOs, the high commissioner in his concluding remarks explained how the decision to defer the OISL report was only taken after "careful and deep consultation" and reiterated the report would be released in September.

The US said it hopes to see evidence of the Sri Lankan government's action on human rights, reconciliation and accountability when the UNHRC looks at the OISL report in September.

Pasumai Thaayagam, an NGO based in India, called on the UN Human Rights Council and the High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Al Hussain ensure the months up to September are used to release a stronger and more comprehensive OISL report, while holding Sri Lanka to account to address immediate human rights concerns.

The NGO urged the Council to place pressure on Sri Lanka to take meaningful action on the release of human rights defenders, highlighting Ms Jayakumari, and demilitarisation of the North-East.

See full statement below:

Pasumai Thaayagam congratulates the High Commissioner on his appointment and welcomes his report. We take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to both Mr Zeid Raad al Hussain, and the former High Commissioner, Madam Navi Pillay, for their important and dedicated work towards the OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka.

Human Rights Watch called on Sri Lanka to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and prevent torture or ill-treatment of detainees, in a statement to the UN Human Rights Council

The General Secretary of Bodhu Bala Sena (BBS) demanded an investigation into massacres committed by the British during colonial rule in Sri Lanka, reports Daily Mirror.

Speaking at a press conference, BBS General Secretary Galagodaatte Gnanasara also called for an investigation into violations of the 1815 Kandyan Convention and alleged crimes committed by the LTTE.

The Chinese government defended the practise of extending loans to Sri Lanka on Monday, stating that they were granted at the request of the Sri Lankan government.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying also said the docking of Chinese submarines in Colombo was “normal and transparent”, noting that Sri Lanka “welcomes the docking of submarines from the friendly countries”.

The statement comes after Sri Lanka’s foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera concluded a visit to Beijing, where he reportedly raised “concerns” regarding Chinese loans. “The people of Sri Lanka raised many questions, about the interest rates especially, and in certain cases about the manner in which these loans were raised,” said Mr Samaraweera.

Ms Hua however defended the loan arrangements, telling reporters that "the loans are extended at the request of Sri Lanka and based on consensus through consultations." "The loan arrangements are for the whole nation and people and have played a positive role in the economic and social development of Sri Lanka," added Ms Hua.