First draft of the US resolution: Promoting Reconciliation and Accountability in Sri Lanka
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2013
Here is the first draft of the resolution to be submitted by the US to the Human rights Council and circulated by the UN Mission Geneva. ( Please note that this is a not a confirmed official US document yet )
The Human Rights Council,
Guided by the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Human Rights and other relevant instruments,
Recalling Human Rights Council Resolution 19/2 on Promoting Reconciliation and Accountability in Sri Lanka,
Reaffirming that it is the responsibility of the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of its entire population,
Taking note of the Government of Sri Lanka’s National Action Plan and its commitments as set forth in response to the findings and recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) of Sri Lanka,
Noting with concern that the National Action Plan does not adequately address all of the findings and constructive recommendations of the LLRC,
Recalling the constructive recommendations contained in the LLRC’s report, including the need to credibly investigate widespread allegations of extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances, demilitarize the north of Sri Lanka, implement impartial land dispute resolution mechanisms, re-evaluate detention policies, strengthen formerly independent civil institutions, reach a political settlement on the devolution of power to the provinces, promote and protect the right of freedom of expression for all and enact rule of law reforms,
Also noting with concern that the National Action Plan and the LLRC’s report do not adequately address serious allegations of violations of international law,
Expressing concern at the continuing reports of violations of human rights in Sri Lanka, threats to judicial independence and the rule of law, and failure by the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfill its public commitments, including on devolution of political authority to provinces as called for in Sri Lanka’s constitution,
1. Welcomes the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka;
2. Reiterates its call upon the Government of Sri Lanka to expeditiously implement the constructive recommendations made in the LLRC report and to take all necessary additional steps to fulfill its relevant legal obligations and commitment to initiate credible and independent actions to ensure justice, equity, accountability, and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans;
3. Urges the Government of Sri Lanka to formally respond to outstanding requests, including by providing unfettered access, by special procedures mandate holders, in particular the Special Rapporteurs on independence of judges and lawyers; torture; human rights defenders; freedom of expression; freedom of association and assembly; extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; and the Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances;
4. Encourages the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and relevant special procedures mandate holders to provide, in consultation with, and with the concurrence of, the Government of Sri Lanka, advice and technical assistance on implementing the above-mentioned steps;
5. Requests the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in consultation with relevant special procedures mandate holders, to present a report on the provision of such assistance and progress on reconciliation and accountability, including investigations of violations of international law, in Sri Lanka to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-fifth session.
Unfettered access for UN rapporteurs
US-sponsored resolution at Geneva meeting could pose serious problems for Lanka
Sunday, February 17, 2013
An early draft of the United States sponsored resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council calls upon the Government to allow “unfettered access” to UN rapporteurs responsible for different topics.�They include mandate holders dealing with independence of judges and lawyers; torture; human rights defenders; freedom of expression; freedom of association and assembly; extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; and the Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances.
This is one of the major highlights of the two-page resolution now being circulated and is likely to see more changes before it is formally introduced at the Council.
The adoption of the salient features of the draft resolution would mean Sri Lanka will receive one more year’s time to initiate action on the latest resolution. However, as the main highlight reveals, issues arising from it could pose serious difficulties in the conduct of foreign policy, warns a Sri Lankan diplomat who is privy to the draft.
The adoption of the salient features of the draft resolution would mean Sri Lanka will receive one more year’s time to initiate action on the latest resolution. However, as the main highlight reveals, issues arising from it could pose serious difficulties in the conduct of foreign policy, warns a Sri Lankan diplomat who is privy to the draft.
In another highlight, the draft resolution calls upon the Government to expeditiously implement the constructive recommendations made in the LLRC report and to take all necessary additional steps to fulfill its relevant legal obligations and commitment to initiate credible and independent actions to ensure justice, equality, accountability, and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans.
The resolution welcomes UN Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillay’s report on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. It expresses concern at the continuing reports of violations of human rights, threats to judicial independence and the rule of law, and failure by the Government to fulfil its public commitments, including devolution of political authority to provinces as called for in Sri Lanka’s constitution.
