EU tells UNHRC to keep Lanka on the agenda

The European Union (EU) yesterday urged the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to keep Sri Lanka on the agenda over its human rights record.

Speaking at the 22nd session of the UNHRC on behalf of the EU, Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore said that the current human rights situation in Sri Lanka and accountability and reconciliation should remain on the agenda of the Council.

“The impartial application of the rule of law is crucial to progress in these areas and it is essential to safeguard the independence of the Judiciary,” he said. Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of European Union in the first half of 2013.

Earlier this month, the European Union said that it will push for accountability from Sri Lanka during the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva.

A statement following the EU Foreign Affairs Council’s meeting in Brussels had said that the EU will also support efforts aimed at keeping the issues of accountability and reconciliation, as well as the current human rights situation in Sri Lanka, on the agenda of the Human Rights Council.

The EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted the conclusions on the stand it will take over various issues at the 22nd UN Human Rights Council session. (Colombo Gazette)