No Chances Of Escape; Rajapaksa Surely Missed The Final Call
Usha S Sri-Skanda-Rajah
Sri Lanka War Crimes Investigation - Part 1
As we wait with bated breath as to the outcome of this very crucial UNHRC session, I can’t but help think that we may have finally turned the corner in our quest for an international inquiry. Rajapaksa has surely missed the final call for the establishment of any domestic inquiry mechanism, through lost opportunities and the culture of impunity.
On this the 25th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) one thing is obvious; the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has done nothing; naught; zero; practically zilch to fulfill the expectations arising from UNHRC resolution at the 22nd session, the most important of which was “to conduct an independent and credible investigation into allegations of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.”
This is confirmed in no uncertain terms by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Navi Pillay in her advance written report prior to the sessions where she categorically states that, “the Government of Sri Lanka has yet to satisfy the call for such a domestic investigative mechanism:
“… the Government of Sri Lanka has yet to satisfy the call made by the Human Rights Council for a credible and independent investigation into the allegations of serious human rights violations that persist or to take the necessary steps to fulfil its legal obligations to ensure justice and redress.”
As a consequence, Pillay makes a well reasoned call for an international inquiry:
“The High Commissioner recommends that the Human Rights Council establish an international inquiry mechanism to further investigate the alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law and monitor any domestic accountability processes. OHCHR stands ready to assist in such a process.” Read More
