UN Chief encouraged by Sri Lanka’s response to OHCHR report

New York: Welcoming the Report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Sri Lanka, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Thursday said he is encouraged by the Sri Lankan Government’s response to the report.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein tabled the OHCHR report on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka on Wednesday at the 30th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva (UNHRC).

The Secretary-General hoped that its important recommendations will help support the efforts of the people and the Government of Sri Lanka to “carve a durable path toward long-lasting peace and stability and respect for human rights, through a genuine and credible process of accountability and reconciliation that meets international standards”.

“The victims of all communities, their families and the Sri Lankan nation itself demand no less than a full and proper reckoning,” the UN Chief said.

The 300-page OHCHR report, among other things, called on the Sri Lankan Government to set up a ‘hybrid special court’ with international judges and investigators to investigate the crimes against humanity committed during the war and bring the perpetrators to the justice.

The Sri Lankan Government responding to the report assured that the report and its recommendations would receive the due attention of the relevant authorities.

The Secretary-General said he is encouraged by the response of, and commitment expressed by, the Government of Sri Lanka and the Opposition to consult widely with all stakeholders and take meaningful action to address these issues.

Recognising the courageous strides being made by the country, he urged the Government to continue building on this positive momentum and the international community to support Sri Lanka in this regard.

“In the process, the Secretary-General hopes that Sri Lanka’s efforts will ensure that it will fully secure a peaceful, prosperous future among the family of nations,” the statement said.