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India's statement at the Human Rights Council

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

27TH Regular Session (8-26 September 2014)

General Debate

25 September 2014

Statement by India

Mr. President,

This statement is with reference to the oral update of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on implementation of the resolution titled "Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka", which was adopted by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2014.

2.      My delegation is of the view that it is desirable for every country to have the means of addressing human rights violations through robust national mechanisms. The Council's efforts should be to provide technical assistance to them to develop the necessary institutions for this purpose. We believe that engaging the country concerned in a collaborative and constructive dialogue and partnership is a more pragmatic and productive way forward. This is the approach that was envisaged by UN General Assembly resolution 60/251 that created the HRC in 2006, as well as the UNGA resolution 65/281 that reviewed the HRC in 2011. 

3.      In this spirit, Sri Lanka should be given all necessary assistance in a cooperative and collaborative manner. We take positive note of Sri Lanka's engagement with UN human rights mechanisms, despite its non-recognition of recent resolutions adopted by the Council on Sri Lanka.

Mr. President,

4.      We note with concern that the High Commissioner has not indicated how he intends to proceed with his investigation in the absence of cooperation from the country concerned.  The composition of the investigating team, its work methodology and sources of funding, have also not  been shared with this Council.  We would urge the High Commissioner to do so in order to maintain the credibility of the report.

5.      We also note that a number of countries have expressed concerns on the international investigation in their statements, including one through the LMG statement.

Mr. President, 

6.      We believe that the implementation of LLRC's recommendations lies at the core of reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka. India continues to underscore that the report of the LLRC and its findings and recommendations, provide a window of opportunity to forge a consensual way forward towards a lasting political settlement. We reiterate our call for effective and timely implementation of all the constructive recommendations contained in the LLRC Report including those pertaining to missing persons, detainees, reduction of 'high security zones', return of private lands by the military and withdrawal of security forces from the civilian domain in the Northern Province.

Mr. President,

7.      India has remained engaged with the Government and political parties in Sri Lanka. India has stressed the need for a political solution that addresses the aspirations of the Tamil community for equality, dignity, justice and self respect within the framework of a united Sri Lanka. India has also urged all stakeholders in Sri Lanka to engage constructively, in a spirit of partnership and mutual accommodation, towards finding a political solution that builds upon the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution. Our considered view is that early progress on devolution and a political settlement in Sri Lanka will prepare the ground for a more sustainable redressal of accountability issues, to the mutual satisfaction of the parties concerned. 

Thank you Mr. President.

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