Ms Louise Arbour, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, was in Sri Lanka at the invitation of the Government and was facilitated to enable her interaction with a wide spectrum of Sri Lankans. In addition to government officials, independent state institutions and international bodies, she met several government and opposition political parties and representatives of Civil Society. She was also facilitated in respect of her meetings with the Bishop of Jaffna and individuals and members of Civil Society in Jaffna. At her request, several such meetings in Colombo as well as Jaffna were without the presence of Government or security officials, enabling her to interact freely.
Her Press Statement raised several issues on which the Government had already initiated action. For instance, the Government has made arrangements shortly to introduce a Witness and Victim Assistance and Protection Act to Parliament as an urgent Bill.
Furthermore, a Parliamentary Select Committee is in the process of finalizing its report with regard to the 17th amendment which would enable the reconstitution of the Constitutional Council. Parliamentary approval of the Select Committee report is awaited as a two-thirds majority vote would be required to pass any constitutional amendment. With regard to the fields of investigation, prosecution and conviction, which the High Commissioner mentioned, the Government has already initiated action to develop appropriate training and institution building. The Government has also initiated action about ensuring the collation of reliable and authoritative information on human rights issues, which the High Commissioner noted was vital.
The Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights made it clear at the joint press conference that demands by some groups for a UN monitoring mission or office of the High Commissioner in Sri Lanka were unwarranted and unacceptable. He noted that already the High Commissioner had two officers in Sri Lanka working within the UN Country Team. Depending on the level of technical cooperation that would be made available, further needs to implement projects could be discussed.
The Minister went on to say that, despite the very complex situation in Sri Lanka, in the context of an ongoing struggle against terrorism, the Government by inviting the High Commissioner has shown again its commitment and willingness to work with the international community in an open and transparent manner in the Government’s quest to promote and nurture human rights of all its citizens. It trusts that the visit of Ms Arbour will enhance the already productive relationship between her office and government stakeholders.
Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights
383 Bauddhaloka Mawatha
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka.
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Violations Committed
by the GOSL - 351
