Sunday 08 April 2012 By Namini Wijedasa
The return of criminal activity to Jaffna is a sign that things are back to normal, says Mohan Pieris, advisor to the Cabinet and former attorney general, who was a key member of the government’s delegation to Geneva. He also spoke about the significance of the resolution passed at the UN Human Rights Council. Excerpts from the interview:
What does the resolution really mean?
What does the resolution really mean?
The operative clause is the third one. It encourages the relevant special procedures mandate holders (independent human rights experts) to provide, in consultation with and with the concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka, and advice and technical assistance on implementing certain steps. It requests the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to present a report on the provision of such assistance to the UN Human Rights Council at its 22nd session. The word “encourages” is important because there is no compulsion on either party. It is also subject to this rider “in consultation with, and with the concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka.” So there must be a consensus of minds with regard to technical assistance on the implementation of the LLRC recommendations. If all those conditions are right, and there is a consensus of minds with regard to Sri Lanka drawing in aid the offer of technical assistance by the High Commissioner, the High Commissioner is also requested to present a report on the provision of such assistance to the Human Rights Council at its 22nd session in March of 2013. The other two clauses are a call and a request to the government to by and large implement approximately 258 recommendations of the LLRC, inclusive of their pet topic of “accountability.” That is what the resolution seeks to do on the surface of things. Read more...
