Saturday, 25 October 2014 00:56
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The United Nations (UN) says it is working with the Sri Lankan Government to address post-war issues, including rising incidents of violence against religious minorities that have taken place since the beginning of this year.
Subinay Nandy, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Sri Lanka, said that as one looks at the breadth of the UN’s work with Sri Lanka, one can see a strong emphasis on the peace and reconciliation agenda.
Speaking at the 69th UN day event in Colombo today, Nandy said that UN engagements in 2014 at all levels encouraged Sri Lanka to continue making progress on the post conflict agenda, including issues of political dialogue, inclusive governance, reconciliation and accountability.
The UN recognises the achievements of Sri Lanka in relation to the resettlement, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts – in a span of slightly over five years Sri Lanka has made great strides and there are notable changes in the infrastructure and facilities available in the north and east today.
“However, in line with our strategy of comprehensive engagement, where alongside humanitarian and development issues, the UN also engages in more challenging areas of political dialogue, human rights and peace building, we must continue exploring ways of working together to promote reconciliation and peaceful co-existence among communities,” he said.
He also said that on the specific issue of asylum seekers in the country, the UN looks forward to strengthening its work to provide support along the lines of international customary laws and obligations while meeting normative standards to ensure justice to all. (Colombo Gazette)
