Target: The Commonwealth Heads of Government
The Government of Sri Lanka has consistently refused to acknowledge the grievances of minorities and has acted with impunity to block every attempt to establish an independent and credible investigation into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
This October the Commonwealth Heads of Government will meet in Perth, Australia, to discuss issues of worldwide importance, including human rights. We believe the Heads of Government present should send a strong message to the Government of Sri Lanka that it must fulfil the obligations it has to its people, and ensure that justice and accountability are achieved.Please sign our petition and add your voice to the calls for justice in Sri Lanka.
- Sponsored by: The Global Tamil Forum
The Government of Sri Lanka has consistently refused to acknowledge the grievances of minorities and has acted with impunity to block every attempt to establish an independent and credible investigation into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. This October the Commonwealth Heads of Government will meet in Perth, Australia, to discuss issues of worldwide importance, including human rights. We believe the Heads of Government present should send a strong message to the Government of Sri Lanka that it must fulfil the obligations it has to its people, and ensure that justice and accountability are achieved.
by Vanessa Spencer
Strategic Initiatives Programme
 |
| The Commission’s unwillingness to investigate numerous cases of torture, detention and the killing of human rights defenders and other government critics by the military continues to this day. In January and February 2011, trade unionists Pramod Rae and Attar Singh were threatened and intimidated by army officers. |
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
(September 20, New Delhi, Sri Lanka Guardian) A National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) is a body created and funded by the state with a mandate to protect and promote human rights. In order for an NHRI to provide human rights education to the public, advise the government on human rights issues and monitor state actors – who may be perpetrators of human rights violations – it must be independent and impartial. Indeed, independence from the state, together with active engagement with non-government organisations and other civil society actors, are key components of an effective NHRI. The Human Rights Commissions (HRC) of Sri Lanka and Fiji, countries marred by civil conflict, lack both.
- log i
