UNHRC members criticise Lanka over threats to rights defenders

Tuesday, 10 September 2013 00:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Dharisha Bastians Sri Lanka came in for heavy criticism during the inaugural meetings of the UN Human Rights Council’s 24th Session in Geneva yesterday, with several countries expressing concern about alleged reprisals against people who met UN High Commissioner Navi Pillay during her visit to the country. The EU delegation, which participated in the general debate following Pillay’s opening statement, said it was “dismayed” by reports of intimidation against those who spoke with the High Commissioner during her visit. “The EU supports all efforts to bring national reconciliation, further accountability and end impunity in Sri Lanka,” the EU delegation said. The EU also called on Sri Lanka to cooperate with all special procedure mandate holders of the UN. Joining in the debate, Permanent Representative for Austria to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Thomas Hajnoczi called on Colombo to respond to allegations of intimidation, reprisals and attacks against local human rights defenders and journalists. “We welcome your recent visit to Sri Lanka. We recognise Sri Lanka’s good cooperation regarding the planning and the conduct of your visit,” the Austrian Representative said.

German Ambassador Hanns Schumacher who delivered a national statement said his delegation was “appalled” at the open harassment of Pillay’s counterparts during her visit and said it gave an indication of the level of intimidation of human rights defenders, including journalists, in Sri Lanka. “We have heard your concerns about democracy being undermined and the erosion of the rule of law,” the German Ambassador said. US Ambassador to the UN in Geneva Eileen Chamberlain Donahue urged the Sri Lankan Government to make use of the UN’s offer of technical assistance in the next few months. “We welcome the High Commissioner’s visit to Sri Lanka where she examined outstanding human rights, justice and democratic governance concerns,” Ambassador Donahue noted. During her opening statement Pillay thanked the Sri Lankan authorities for facilitating what she called her “comprehensive visit,” but also expressed concerns about reprisals against human rights defenders, journalists and communities that held discussions with her during her fact-finding mission.