Cross party group of UK MPs call for international inquiry into genocide
In a statement the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils called on the UN to create an "International Commission of Investigation into the allegations of War crimes, Crimes against Humanity and the Crime of genocide against the Tamil people in Sri Lanka" and urged the member states of the UNHRC to strengthen the current proposed draft "so that it will have meaningful action on the ground; bringing the individuals who were responsible for the violation of International Humanitarian Law, including extra-judicial killings, sexual violence and enforced disappearances to account."
Tamil Guardian 13 March 2013
In a statement the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils called on the UN to create an "International Commission of Investigation into the allegations of War crimes, Crimes against Humanity and the Crime of genocide against the Tamil people in Sri Lanka" and urged the member states of the UNHRC to strengthen the current proposed draft "so that it will have meaningful action on the ground; bringing the individuals who were responsible for the violation of International Humanitarian Law, including extra-judicial killings, sexual violence and enforced disappearances to account."
Falling short of an immediate call for a boycott of CHOGM or a change of venue, the MPs said:
"We wish to see Sri Lanka demonstrate that it will adhere to all of this and Commonwealth Values; democracy, human rights, religious freedom and freedom of speech for all. If they do not do this then CHOGM 2013 should be held elsewhere."
See full statement here.
House of Commons
Westminster
London SW1A OAA
Chair: Lee Scott MP
March 2013
Calling for an International Independent Investigation
On behalf of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils (APPGT), we recognise that accountability is paramount for a sustainable peace and a meaningful reconciliation in the Island of Sri Lanka. Noting the weakness of internal mechanisms and lack of separation of power and rule of law in Sri Lanka, we would like to add our voice to the call for an International Independent Investigation into the Conflict. APPGT strongly urges the UN to the creation of an International Commission of Investigation into the allegations of War crimes, Crimes against Humanity and the Crime of genocide against the Tamil people in Sri Lanka.
The 22nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council is under way and will culminate in a
vote on a resolution Promoting Reconciliation and Accountability in Sri Lanka. We call upon the
Member States to strengthen the current proposed draft resolution so that it will have meaningful
action on the ground; bringing the individuals who were responsible for the violation of International Humanitarian Law, including extra-judicial killings, sexual violence and enforced disappearances to account.
We wish to see Sri Lanka demonstrate that it will adhere to all of this and Commonwealth Values;
democracy, human rights, religious freedom and freedom of speech for all. If they do not do this
then CHOGM 2013 should be held elsewhere.
Executive:
Chair: Lee Scott MP
Vice Chairs: Siobhain McDonagh MP; Simon Hughes MP, Virenda Sharma MP
Secretary and Treasurer: Robert Halfon MP; Gavin Barwell MP
