UN delays report on SL based on cooperation received from Govt. - UN Rights Chief
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein on March 05 said that the presentation of the implementation of UNHRC resolution 25/1 on accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka be deferred until the 30th session of the Human Rights Council in September based on the assessment of the changing context in Sri Lanka, the broad signals of cooperation received from the Government, and the possibility that new information will become available for the report.
Delivering the Opening Statement at the 28th Session of UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva yesterday, the High Commissioner said “"After serious reflection, and acting upon the suggestion of the investigation's group of experts, I recommended that the presentation of this report be deferred until the 30th session of the Human Rights Council in September".
"This was based on my assessment of the changing context in Sri Lanka, the broad signals of cooperation I have received from the Government, and the possibility that new information will become available for the report," he added.
Zeid told the Council that the Sri Lankan Government has agreed to invite the Special Rapporteur on Truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence, and the Working Group on enforced and involuntary disappearances, as well as himself, to visit Sri Lanka before the September session.
During this period, OHCHR staff also plans to engage on the ground with all stakeholders to advance transitional justice issues, he noted.
“This is a singular opportunity for the Government to lay the foundations in justice for lasting peace and reconciliation. I urge the authorities to consult deeply with the people, particularly victims, in order to design mechanisms that will work and not repeat the failures of the past,” the UN official said.
