Inspiring engagement

AS the countdown speeds up to the 22nd United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions to be held later this month, the drumbeats have become louder with the release of a tough report from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navinetham Pillay.

Pillay’s report, which is to be presented at the sessions that open on 25 February, was made public by her office on Wednesday.

Titled the Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on advice and technical assistance for the Government of Sri Lanka on promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka, the document finds serious discrepancies between the recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission and the work the Sri Lankan Government has done to fulfil the commitments listed in the UNHRC resolution against the country last year, calling for the promotion of reconciliation and accountability.

The report predictably takes into consideration highly current events in Sri Lanka including the detention of the Jaffna University students, the impeachment of the Chief Justice in January and the prison riots in Welikada in which 29 inmates were killed in November last year.

Pillay’s report makes a series of recommendations including the setting up of a credible international investigation into alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, which could also monitor any domestic accountability process. Her recommendations include drafting laws for the protection of witnesses, de-militarisation and holding criminal and forensic inquiries.

Countering such a range of issues is undoubtedly a challenge for the Government. Even though the passing of the first US backed resolution last year resulted in loss of face, it was able to brush this under the shadows as it made little difference on the ground. Yet, inaction on the second round cannot be due to indifference on the country’s international reputation. For whether the Government acknowledges it or not, its acceptance among the minorities and fair minded masses rely on addressing concerns that have been pinpointed in its own LLRC report.

President Rajapaksa in his address on Independence Day called on the international community to come and witness the progress that has been made in Sri Lanka. For this to happen, defensive actions such as not allowing visas for the International Bar Association (IBA) delegation must not be allowed to happen. If the Government is convinced of its actions, then it should have the capacity to defend it against the objections raised by the rest of the world. Dodging behind the skirts of “sovereignty” and “international conspiracies” is not the most constructive step as it does not inspire confidence.

As UNHRC looms again, confidence has become the top priority. Taking the steps that the Government has made in the past four years and presenting them convincingly, while following up pledges to promote human rights through actions, would be a strategy that would inspire not just members but its own citizens as well.

The recently concluded visit of Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma is one example of positive engagement where the Government was able to convey its progressive sentiments. Being open about short comings and sincerely committing to address them within a time frame would find universal acceptance.