UN Human Rights Chief Criticisms of Sri Lanka Abuses Directed at Regime Rather than State Structure - ATC

 Sunday, 01 September 2013 10:55

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Navi Pillay’s statement delivered yesterday in Colombo after a week’s visit to assess the human rights situation in Sri Lanka contained some strong criticisms of the Rajapaksa regime.

The Sri Lankan government had denied Ms Pillay entry into the island till now, despite mounting evidence of allegations surrounding complicity in war crimes.

Ms Pillay acknowledged that although the fighting was over, the suffering was not, and highlighted many human rights abuses and violations taking place in the island, including that of militarisation, sexual abuse and the issue of disappeared persons. She further warned that unless there was to be a credible national process, calls for an international inquiry were likely to continue. Her other suggestions included the repealing of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act. She also highlighted the harassment, intimidation and military surveillance of those wishing to meet with her with critical voices often attacked or even permanently silenced.

Ms Pillay's statement did include a few positive comments including reconstruction achievements, though she was quick to point out that "physical reconstruction alone will not bring reconciliation, dignity, or lasting peace" and a more "holistic approach is needed to provide truth, justice and reparations".

“While her statement did contain some strong criticisms, they were directed at the regime rather than the Sri Lankan state structure," said Dr Sam Pari, Spokesperson of the Australian Tamil Congress. "The grave violations taking place against the Tamil people are not isolated incidents, but rather fit the agenda of the Sri Lankan state which is intent on erasing the identity and existence of the Tamil nation in the island of Sri Lanka. An alternate regime will be meaningless unless the structural genocide is ceased. We hope that her statement later this month to the UN Human Rights Council will include and address these genuine grievances of the Tamil people who trusted her and despite knowing they were under military intelligence surveillance, risked their lives to share with her their plight and suffering," added Dr Pari.