April 4, 2014
Several Asian, Latin American and African countries including Asian giants Russia and China yesterday condemned the High Commissioner for the United Nations Human Rights Council for exceeding her mandate in calling for an International investigative mechanism for Sri Lanka and for policticising the UNHRC to cater to the geo-polical interests of certain powerful countries.
The Venezuelan representative said the High Commissioner’ s report was the outcome of a highly politicised process during which Sri Lanka was not listened to. The head of the Russian delegation said the international community should recognize the achievements that has been made by Sri Lanka and “we condemn this attempt of trying to use Human Rights as a way of settling political accounts and achieving geopolitical advantage”.
Excerpts of comments:
CubaExample of the politicization of double standards
The report presented by the Human Rights Commissioner today is another example of the politicization of double standards that have taken root in the Council. The concluding recommendations in the report reflects the imbalance that prevails when dealing with Human Rights situations in the South. Despite the flaws of this process the Government of Sri Lanka has demonstrated its genuine commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights of its population. Sri Lanka has on several occasions made this Committee aware about the progress made and of different aspects of the national reconciliation process.
The Sri Lankan government has taken many measures and these have enabled them to make significant progress in the areas of rehabilitation, de-mining, resettlement, de-militarisation, reconstruction and development. All these measures are appreciable. The High Commissioners report does not acknowledge many achievements of Sri Lanka’s national reconciliation process nor does it recognise we have a commitment to support it. The message been sent by this action to other countries is a very negative one. The imposition of a so-called independent investigation in the country which has become so fashionable in recent times, does not acknowledge the internal process carried out by Sri Lanka.
Some will argue that the treatment meted out to Sri Lanka and the resolution on Sri Lanka will have one purpose, which is to the scale up the dialogue with the Sri Lankan government. Now this argument is not a credible one. This is not an issue which requires the attention of the Council. The treatment given to Sri Lanka will have a negative impact on the national reconciliation process which Sri Lanka is experiencing today. Cuba shall continue to support efforts made by Sri Lanka to promote and protect human rights.
VenezuelaSri Lanka is making definite progress towards its national reconciliation
The report was the outcome of a highly politicised process during which the country concerned was not listened to. The report recommends that an international independent investigation mechanism be established. Venezuela will vote against this. Sri Lanka is making definite progress towards its national reconciliation and has prepared a national action plan stemming from the report of the LLRC.
There are 144 recommendations currently being implemented in relation to rehabilitation of former combatants, resettlement, reconstruction etc. Poverty reduction in the former conflict affected areas have been kept on par with national levels. The overall poverty in the country has been reduced. Doing so Sri Lanka has gone beyond its MDG’s. There has been no appreciation for the major efforts made by the Sri Lankan government to honour its human rights commitment since peace returned to the country in 2009. The report does not reflect this properly. Sri Lanka continues to prove it is seriously committed to work with the council. Venezuela rejects the attempts to interfere in the domestic process of Sri Lanka. We must uproot these interventionist, selective and the demonstration of double standards. The council must support the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka.
Iran
The constructive engagement of Sri Lanka in the UPR mechanism as the most appropriate platform to address the human rights situations in all countries is admirable
We are of the view that the international community should support Sri Lanka in its endeavour to achieve full reconciliation. The council should appreciate the positive steps taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to host the official visit of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in August 2013 and the effective measures taken so far to address the accountability issues.
The constructive engagement of Sri Lanka in the UPR mechanism as the most appropriate platform to address the human rights situations in all countries is admirable. We oppose the politicization of human rights issues and taking up country’s specific issues. In this regard the Human Rights Council should engage the country concerned in a constructive manner and contribute to the improvement of human rights situation on the ground.
ZimbabweSri Lanka continues to make significant progress on the reconciliation process and has regularly updated the council on such progress
Zimbabwe wishes to lend its support to the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts to implement the provisions of resolution 2231 which is about promoting reconciliation and accountability in the country. It is clear that Sri Lanka continues to make significant progress on the reconciliation process and has regularly updated the council on such progress.
The recommendations of the resolution 2231 was to request the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations of the LLRC.
However, the High Commissioners report goes beyond this mandate by making reference to and recommendations on extraneous issues and its call for an inquiry by an international mechanism to investigate the alleged violations.
Sri Lanka’s cooperation with the OHCHR and mechanisms of the councils should be commended. Its goodwill is evident by the facilitation of the High Commissioners visit in August 2013, pursuant to an invitation extended by the government in 2011. It has also continued its engagement with all procedures exemplified by the visit in December 2013 by the special rapporteur of of human rights of internally displaced persons.
Zimbabwe calls on the Council to reciprocate Sri Lanka’s good will by encouraging rather than condemning as it goes about fulfilling its obligations.
ChinaChina supports Sri Lanka to defend its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity
The Chinese delegation takes note the LLRC report in promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka. China commends Sri Lanka efforts and achievements in promoting national reconciliation socio-economic development and promotion and protection of human rights including the efforts into investigating the allegation of violations of human rights and seeking justice. China welcomes the government of Sri Lanka to actually implement the recommendations of LLRC and put in place the National Action Plan to this end.
The Government of Sri Lanka has strengthened its cooperation with UN Human Rights mechanism and other relevant mechanism which should be recognized. China finds regrettable that the report fails to present comprehensively and objectively of the the achievements of the efforts by the Government of Sri Lanka It is only through constructive dialogue and cooperation that difference in the area of human rights can be settled and exerting pressure and confrontation make the issues more complicated.
China supports Sri Lanka to defend its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is convinced that the people of Sri Lanka have wisdom and capacity to solve their internal affairs. China requests all countries to respect the rights of the people and the government to deal with the internal affairs and understand the difficulties confronting Sri Lanka, give enough time and space to Sri Lanka to to implement international mechanism.
BangladeshBangladesh recognizes Sri Lanka’s struggle to come out of the clutches of terrorism and bring peace and reconciliation to its people
Bangladesh recognizes Sri Lanka’s struggle to come out of the clutches of terrorism and bring peace and reconciliation to its people. We recognize the positive steps taken so far in spite of the difficulties in a post war situation. Given the enormity of the challenges, the progress made so far cannot be ignored.
My delegation recognizes also Sri Lankan government’s willingness to engage constructively with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms as shown by its extending invitations to several special rapporteur mandate holders while engaging with the other mandate holders and working groups.
We believe that due regard or recognition to the significant progresses made in the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka including the rigorous work undertaken since July 2012 in operationalising the recommendations of the National Action Plan for the implementation of the LLRC needs to be given by the Human Rights Council.
Considering its socio-economic constraints, which are common to many developing countries, Sri Lanka needs to be given the time and space and assistance and cooperation by the international community to implement its domestic process of reconciliation.
We also believe that any action taking in the promotion and protection of the human rights of the country must have the consent of that country, and based on the principles of cooperation and genuine dialogue and on the founding principles of universality, impartiality, non-selectivity which govern the work and functions of the Council as clearly delineated in GA resolution 60/251 and the IB package.
Having said that we also recognize that much remains to be done. We therefore while emphasizing on the need for a home grown political solution to this long standing dispute encourages Sri Lanka to look for durable solutions based on equity and inclusiveness. In doing so, we urge Sri Lanka to continue its efforts to uphold human rights.
PakistanSri Lanka is a country with excellent democratic credentials
My delegation believes in a culture of engagement for ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights. We believe that country specific initiatives are confrontational counter productive and seriously undermines the spirit of cooperation and coordination on important human rights issues.
We believe that the High Commissioner’s report is not balanced and and some of the elements including the recommendation to establish an international inquiry mechanism exceed the mandate granted by the Human Rights Council Resolution 22 /1 to the High Commissioner. We are also disappointed over the discriminatory approach followed by the OHCHR with regard to placement of Sri Lanka’s comments in response to the report on the extra-net.
Sri Lanka is a country with excellent democratic credentials. It has successfully overcome 30 years of brutal terrorism by the LTTE with external support. Now is the time for the international community to help the people in Sri Lanka to heal their wounds and not penalize them for defeating the LTTE at the behest of the people still continue to align themselves with these terrorist forces. There is also a need to acknowledge the commitment and cooperation extended by the government of Sri Lanka to the entire human rights machinery.
Since the end of the terrorist conflict in May 2009 Sri Lanka has continued to regularly and voluntarily engage with the council and with the missions based in Geneva on the progress in their reconciliation process.
Pakistan lauds the progress achieved by Sri Lanka in implementing the national plan of action and recommendations of the LLRC. As part of this continued engagement the High Commissioner undertook a week long visit to Sri Lanka from August 25-31, 2013 on the invitation of the government.
The government of Sri Lanka arranged a comprehensive program and provided unfettered access during the visit .She must refrain from advocating a course of action that will exaggerate the challenges that the Sri Lankan people are trying to overcome after 30 years of terrorist and separatist violence.
The international community should act as a facilitator for peace and stability and be part of the solution rather than the part of the problem. There is a dire need to comprehend and comprehensively address the enormous challenges being faced by Sri Lanka rather than penalizing the country for rooting out terrorism from its soil.
Russian FederationSri Lanka has undoubtedly achieved significant success in achieving national reconciliation while upholding all kinds of rights of the population
Russia has consistently opposed addressing the matter of Sri Lanka by the Council because we do not see objective reasons for doing this. In this connection, we cannot agree to many of the assessments made in the High Commissioner’s report which lie beyond her mandate and which could be interpreted as interference into domestic affairs of the state. We would like to once again underline that reports of this kind are supposed to help the normalization of the situation and not lead to an escalation of tension.
Sri Lanka is open to dialogue and in existing problems the country is pursuing its cooperation with the UNHRC. The High Commissioner’s visit, in the course of which she had unimpeded access to all areas of interest to her is a confirmation of this. Sri Lanka has undoubtedly achieved significant success in achieving national reconciliation while upholding all kinds of rights of the population. We would like to underline the recent democratic elections in the North of the country which saw the Tamils in the lead. Incidentally, these elections were only possible now that the terrorism has been beaten.
We welcome the government’s adoption of further 53 recommendations of the LLRC and we call on Colombo to continue its work to implement the National Action Plan to implement the Commission’s conclusions. The fact that for four years now we have not seen any explosions is the most convincing demonstration of the fact that the government’s domestic policy is addressing the interests of all the people in the country. The international community should recognize the achievements that has been achieved by the country and we condemn this attempt trying to use human rights as a way of settling political accounts and achieving geopolitical advantage. We consider that the process of national reconciliation should take place and implemented by the Sri Lankans themselves without the imposition of any so called assistance from outside. In this connection we disagree with the new draft resolution because it is far beyond the matters of reconciliation and is a direct interference in to domestic affairs of a sovereign state.
UgandaThe international community to assist and appreciate the achievement made by Sri Lanka
Uganda has taken on the report of reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka. We also take note that as a country which has emerged from decades long conflict, having defeated terrorism Sri Lanka has made commendable achievement in its effort at achieving reconciliation among its communities. There is need for the international community to assist and appreciate the achievement made by Sri Lanka and encourage Sri Lanka to continue to its persist rather than calling for international investigation. The report’s calls for an international investigation in to this situation has no basis.
We should be mindful that Sri land fought one of the most ruthless terrorist groups in the world. We therefore welcome the commitment shown by the Government of Sri Lanka for continuous engagement with the UN Human Rights Council by facilitating the visits of a number of the Human Rights Council Special rapporteurs and mandate holders. This manifests the importance given by the Government of Sri Lanka for its domestic reconciliation procedure while engaging with international community.
Uganda believes that special consideration should be given to countries that emerge from long time conflicts. Uganda welcomes the implementation of Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission recommendations through national action plan.
PAKISTAN’S BITTER PILL FOR PILLAI
Country specific resolutions confrontational
Direct interference in domestic affairs of a sovereign state
Pakistan on Wednesday cautioned United Nations Human Rights Council
High Commissioner Navy Pillai against taking action that will exaggerate
the challenges that the people of Sri Lanka are trying to overcome
after 30 years of separatist and terrorist violence.
During the interactive dialogue at the UNHRC sessions in Geneva, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN Ambassador Zamir Akram said country specific initiatives are confrontational, counter productive and seriously undermine the spirit of cooperation and coordination on important human rights issues.
“We believe that the High Commissioner’s report is not balanced and some of the elements including the recommendation to establish an international inquiry mechanism exceed the mandate granted by the Human Rights Council Resolution 22 /1 to the High Commissioner. “She must refrain from advocating a course of action that will exaggerate the challenges that the Sri Lankan people are trying to overcome after 30 years of terrorist and separatist violence.
The international community should act as a facilitator for peace and stability and be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. “We are also disappointed over the discriminatory approach followed by the OHCHR with regard to placement of Sri Lanka’s comments in response to the report on the extra-net”. “Now is the time for the international community to help the people of Sri Lanka to heal their wounds and not penalize them for defeating the LTTE, at the behest of the people still continuing to align themselves with these terrorist forces.
“There is a dire need to comprehend and comprehensively address the enormous challenges being faced by Sri Lanka rather than penalizing the country for rooting out terrorism from its soil. “Russia said it considers the process of national reconciliation should take place and implemented by the Sri Lankans themselves without the imposition of any so called assistance from outside”. “In this connection we disagree with the new draft resolution because it is far beyond the matters of reconciliation and is a direct interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign state”. “We cannot agree to many of the assessments made in the High Commissioner’s report which lie beyond her mandate and which could be interpreted as interference into domestic affairs of a state.
We would like to once again underline that reports of this kind are supposed to help the normalization of the situation and not lead to an escalation of tension”. China said it regrets that the Hig Commissioner’s Report on Sri Lanka fails to present comprehensively and objectively the achievements of the Government of Sri Lanka .
“It is only through constructive dialogue and cooperation that differences in the area of human rights can be settled.”Exertintg pressure and confrontation makes the issue more complicated.
“China supports Sri Lanka to defend its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Cuba said the report presented by the Human Rights Commissioner is another example of the politicization of double standards that have taken root in the Council. The concluding recommendations in the report reflects the imbalance that prevails when dealing with Human rights situations in the South. Sri Lanka has on several occasions made this Committee aware about the progress made and of different aspects of the national reconciliation process.
The Sri Lankan government has taken many measures and these have enabled them to make significant progress in the areas of rehabilitation, Deming, resettlement, De-militarisation, reconstruction and development. All these measures are appreciable.
The High Commissioners report does not acknowledge many achievements of Sri Lanka’s national reconciliation process. Zimbabwe said Resolution 22/1 was to request the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations of the LLRC. However the High Commissioner’s Report goes beyond this mandate by making reference to and recommendations on extraneous issues.
Bangladesh said it believes due recognition and regard should be given to the significant progress made in the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka including the rigorous work undertaken since July 2012 in operationalizing the recommendations of the National Action Plan for the implementation of the LLRC.
During the interactive dialogue at the UNHRC sessions in Geneva, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN Ambassador Zamir Akram said country specific initiatives are confrontational, counter productive and seriously undermine the spirit of cooperation and coordination on important human rights issues.
“We believe that the High Commissioner’s report is not balanced and some of the elements including the recommendation to establish an international inquiry mechanism exceed the mandate granted by the Human Rights Council Resolution 22 /1 to the High Commissioner. “She must refrain from advocating a course of action that will exaggerate the challenges that the Sri Lankan people are trying to overcome after 30 years of terrorist and separatist violence.
The international community should act as a facilitator for peace and stability and be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. “We are also disappointed over the discriminatory approach followed by the OHCHR with regard to placement of Sri Lanka’s comments in response to the report on the extra-net”. “Now is the time for the international community to help the people of Sri Lanka to heal their wounds and not penalize them for defeating the LTTE, at the behest of the people still continuing to align themselves with these terrorist forces.
“There is a dire need to comprehend and comprehensively address the enormous challenges being faced by Sri Lanka rather than penalizing the country for rooting out terrorism from its soil. “Russia said it considers the process of national reconciliation should take place and implemented by the Sri Lankans themselves without the imposition of any so called assistance from outside”. “In this connection we disagree with the new draft resolution because it is far beyond the matters of reconciliation and is a direct interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign state”. “We cannot agree to many of the assessments made in the High Commissioner’s report which lie beyond her mandate and which could be interpreted as interference into domestic affairs of a state.
We would like to once again underline that reports of this kind are supposed to help the normalization of the situation and not lead to an escalation of tension”. China said it regrets that the Hig Commissioner’s Report on Sri Lanka fails to present comprehensively and objectively the achievements of the Government of Sri Lanka .
“It is only through constructive dialogue and cooperation that differences in the area of human rights can be settled.”Exertintg pressure and confrontation makes the issue more complicated.
“China supports Sri Lanka to defend its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Cuba said the report presented by the Human Rights Commissioner is another example of the politicization of double standards that have taken root in the Council. The concluding recommendations in the report reflects the imbalance that prevails when dealing with Human rights situations in the South. Sri Lanka has on several occasions made this Committee aware about the progress made and of different aspects of the national reconciliation process.
The Sri Lankan government has taken many measures and these have enabled them to make significant progress in the areas of rehabilitation, Deming, resettlement, De-militarisation, reconstruction and development. All these measures are appreciable.
The High Commissioners report does not acknowledge many achievements of Sri Lanka’s national reconciliation process. Zimbabwe said Resolution 22/1 was to request the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations of the LLRC. However the High Commissioner’s Report goes beyond this mandate by making reference to and recommendations on extraneous issues.
Bangladesh said it believes due recognition and regard should be given to the significant progress made in the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka including the rigorous work undertaken since July 2012 in operationalizing the recommendations of the National Action Plan for the implementation of the LLRC.
Who really supported the US Resolution against Sri Lanka?
Source: Daily Mirror
