SL to advocate domestic mechanism on HR issues at UNHRC

• Foreign Minister Ali Sabry says SL will oppose any external mechanism
• Opines international mechanism will violate Constitution
• Says SL looking for a lasting solution

Prior to leaving for Geneva to participate in the 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry on Monday said Sri Lanka would advocate for a domestic mechanism on human rights issues and would oppose any international mechanism proposed.

Sabry addressing the media said the Government will not accept an external mechanism as it would be in violation of Sri Lanka’s Constitution.

He revealed that therefore both the President and the Cabinet had instructed the Sri Lankan delegation to the UNHRC to seek the adoption of a domestic policy as any judicial process should be in line with the country’s Constitution.

“Even if we do agree on an external mechanism, it cannot be implemented. Anyone will be able to challenge it in a domestic court,” he said, adding that however, Sri Lanka is willing to accept a domestic mechanism instead.

The UN Human Rights High Commissioner is expected to release her report on Sri Lanka today, including the options for accountability under the HRC resolution number 46/1 of 2021.

Sabry said Sri Lanka was adopting a policy of engagement on rights accountability bilaterally and multilaterally and was looking for a lasting solution.

A possible draft resolution on Sri Lanka is expected to be presented on 23 September. This would be followed by a vote among the Member States on the new draft resolution on 6 October. A group led by Minister Sabry left for Geneva on Monday to participate in the 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The Sri Lankan delegation includes Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, and a group of officials from the Attorney General’s Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council is scheduled to be held from 12 September until 7 October in Geneva. Sabry is scheduled to address the 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on 12 September.