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SL considering homegrown resolution for upcoming UNHRC session

11 Feb 2021

Sri Lanka is considering several alternative options to a consensual resolution with the Core Group for Sri Lanka at the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session, including submitting a homegrown resolution by itself, The Morning learnt. A topmost official at the Foreign Ministry told The Morning that the Ministry is looking at the option of taking the initiative to submit its own resolution at the upcoming session in Geneva, Switzerland. The Core Group for Sri Lanka – including the UK, Canada, Germany, Montenegro, and North Macedonia – has confirmed that it will be submitting a resolution on Sri Lanka. Although the Government of Sri Lanka was initially considering consenting to this resolution and is at present engaged in discussions with the Core Group in this regard, it was reported that the Foreign Ministry is seeking further time to make a decision concerning the matter. When inquired about this issue, State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya told The Morning that a consensual resolution with the Core Group would be unlikely, as the Government has to be answerable to the people of Sri Lanka as well. However, Balasuriya added that the option is still on the table. The upcoming 46th Regular Session of the UNHRC would be held from 22 February to 23 March, where Sri Lanka’s issues of accountability with regard to the final stages of the war in 2009 would be discussed. The Core Group for Sri Lanka is expected to submit a resolution while UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet raised serious concerns regarding Sri Lanka’s human rights situation in her report earlier this year.


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