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GoSL to reject Core Group resolution 

16 Mar 2021

The Government of Sri Lanka would be rejecting the final Resolution presented by the Core Group of Countries on Sri Lanka, which was tabled at the 46th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 12 March.  Speaking to The Morning yesterday (15), Foreign Ministry Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage said that the “unfair, biased Resolution” is being opposed by the Government, adding that it would be called for a vote soon.  “We have already twice rejected the report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (HCHR). This Resolution was based on that and as such, we are engaging with friendly countries at the Council to call for a vote at the Session,” said Prof. Colombage.  The said Core Group comprises the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, Canada, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Malawi.  Commenting on the Office of the HCHR’s (OHCHR) proposed evidence preservation body, Prof. Colombage said that the Government would not open its doors to such a mechanism.  “That is a straightforward no, as that kind of body would go beyond the mandate of the UNHRC,” added Prof. Colombage.  Prof. Colombage, however, said that as the mandate of the proposed body is to “collate, collect and preserve evidence against alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka,” they hope that it would also take into account crimes committed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).  Furthermore, Prof. Colombage called for South Asian solidarity with Sri Lanka, especially from India.  “India is a mature country with great influence in the region. We hope that they would stand with us against this Resolution,” added. Prof. Colombage.  The Resolution called on Sri Lanka to ensure the effective and independent functioning of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations, in order for them to deliver their respective mandates.  It also called upon Sri Lanka to protect human rights defenders, to end surveillance, and to foster the freedom of religion or belief.  The final paragraph has been amended to include not only a written update but also an oral update from the OHCHR at two separate UNHRC Sessions instead of one.  Accordingly, the Resolution requested the UNHRC to enhance monitoring and reporting on the situation of human rights in Sri Lanka, including on progress in reconciliation and accountability, and to present an oral update to the UNHRC at its 48th Session, as well as a written update at its 49th Session.  Sri Lanka needs the support of 24 countries from the 47 Members in the Council to defeat the adoption of the Resolution. The 46th UNHRC Regular Session, held virtually this year due to travel restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, would continue until 23 March. The vote on the Resolution titled ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka’ would take place on 23 March.  


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