UN renews calls for investigation

In the wake of a documentary aired by Britain’s Channel 4 on Sri Lanka’s war, the United Nations on Wednesday renewed its call for Sri Lanka to investigate the alleged violations of human rights during the last phase of the three-decade long conflict with the Tamil Tiger terrorists.

Responding to media queries at the press briefing Wednesday about the documentary, Martin Nesirky, the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General ban Ki-moon said the UN Chief is aware of the documentary.

Nesirky, updating on the Secretary-General’s own investigation said the UN Chief has reviewed the recommendations of the Panel of Experts report on Sri Lanka and is working with the Secretariat to determine how to follow up on the recommendations.

“The Secretary-General believes that it is first and foremost the responsibility of the Sri Lankan Government to follow up by investigating alleged violations of human rights,” Nesirky said at the briefing.

The Secretary-General has made the report of the Panel of Experts available to Member States and the public and Member States are in a position to act on its contents and recommendations, Nesirky added.

The Spokesman reiterated that, to establish an international inquiry into war crimes having executive or judicial powers, the UN Chief would need host country consent or an appropriate intergovernmental mandate, such as one from the Human Rights Council, Security Council or General Assembly. (www.colombopage.com)