Plans To Call For An Independent International Accountability Mechanism

By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema-Saturday, September 22, 2012

Amendments to a US House of Representatives’ resolution on Sri Lanka calling on the Sri Lankan government, the international community and the United Nations to establish an independent international accountability mechanism to look into reports of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other human rights violations have been tabled before the House last week.
One of the amendments to the resolution state that the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report has failed to adequately address issues of accountability for both the government and the  Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, for credible allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
However, the amendments have called on the Government of Sri Lanka to build on its establishment of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and that Commission’s constructive recommendations on issues of paramount importance to Sri Lanka be implemented in a credible, transparent, and expeditious manner.
The amendments have been proposed to resolution No. 177 titled “Expressing support for internal rebuilding, resettlement and reconciliation within Sri Lanka that are necessary to ensure a lasting peace.” The amendments have been tabled before the House on September 7.
Representative Michael G. Grimm presented the resolution on March 17, 2011, which was cosponsored by 53 members.
The resolution was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on March 17, 2011 and referred to the Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia on March 29, 2011.
Following is the amended resolution presented to the House of Representatives:
(1) Calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to build on its establishment of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and that Commission’s constructive recommendations on issues of paramount importance to Sri Lanka in a credible, transparent, and expeditious manner;
(2) Recognizes that the LLRC report failed to adequately address issues of accountability for both the government and the terrorist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, for credible allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity;
(3) Urges the Government of Sri Lanka, the international community, and the United Nations to establish an independent international accountability mechanism to look into reports of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other human rights violations committed by both sides during and after the war in Sri Lanka and to make recommendations regarding accountability;
(4) Encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to allow for greater media freedoms and humanitarian organizations, journalists, and international human rights groups greater access to the war-affected, including rehabilitated ex-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam cadres, and those detained;
(5) Acknowledges the end of the war and calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to go through a process of demilitarization throughout the country; and
(6) Acknowledges the importance for parties to reach a political settlement on the meaningful devolution of power. Meanwhile, US Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake who visited Sri Lanka last week said that he discussed the need for accelerated progress to implement the recommendations of the LLRC and the National Action Plan.
“I emphasized the importance of progress in reducing the role and profile of the military in the North, and full respect for human rights,” he said.  On issues of accountability, Blake said the US hoped that three years after the end of the conflict, there can be a credible and transparent accounting, investigation and prosecution of some of the outstanding and serious allegations of human rights violations, as well as progress on the missing.
“I also urged that the Northern Provincial Council elections be held as soon as possible and encouraged an early resumption of talks between the TNA and the government to agree on powers to be devolved to the provinces,” he said.