Thread by @TamilGuardian

LIVE - At the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Tamil Guardian will be providing continued coverage of the Council's response to the High Commissioner's report on Sri Lanka #SriLanka #UN #HRC46

Britain's Minister for South Asia and the Commonwealth, H.E. Lord Ahmad expressed the UK's shared concern over reversed progress and highlighted the risk and recurrence of past violations.

His statement also highlighted increasing surveillance ...
@tariqahmadbt @UKMissionGeneva

the militarisation of the civilian government, and the impact of the government’s forced cremation policy.

Ahmad also highlighted that Sri Lanka's 'previous domestic commission have all failed'.

Speaking on behalf of Norway and the Nordic countries, Permanent Representative @NorwayAmbUNOG noted;

'progress in transitional justice, accountability and reconciliation is lacking and has in some cases been reversed'

'the country's minorities are increasingly marginalised'

'we also encourage Sri Lankan authorities to end the practice of forced cremation of covid-19 fatalities'.

Canada's representative stated:

'Canada welcomes the high commissioner's report on Sri Lanka. We regret Sri Lanka's decision to withdraw its support of resolution/31 domestic processes for reconciliation and accountability have repeatedly failed to deliver results'. @CanadaFP

'The survivors have been persistent in their efforts to seek the truth. They have taken extraordinary risks to offer evidence. We recognise their resilience and their courage'.

'We share in the high commissioner's concerns regarding the deterioration of human rights which regrettably may lead to a recurrence of violence and conflict'.

'If left unaddressed civilian government and independent judiciary, civil society space, respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law, are all being undermined'

'Forced cremation of Muslims and restrictions on Tamil memorials will further fuel divisions on the Island'.

'Canada believes the council has a responsibility to keep Sri Lanka on its agenda, and to continue its efforts to promote reconciliation accountability and human rights'.

'We encourage Sri Lanka to engage constructively with the UNHRC [...] Madam High Commissioner, how can member states most effectively support the OHCHR to continue to gather and preserve evidence'.

Germany's representative @GermanyDiplo stated:

'Germany aligns itself with the EU statement [...] Germany reiterated the importance of the Human Rights Council efforts, the advancing human rights reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka'

'We are concerned about the implications of the recent constitutional amendment for the independence and effective functioning of the National Human Rights Commission, the Office of missing persons, and the Office for Reparations'

we are 'concerned about shrinking civic space, and that those who pursued accountability in recent years, fear of reprisals now. Germany is convinced that a comprehensive dealing of the past is necessary for inclusive and sustainable reconciliation'

'the crimes of the past, cannot remain unpunished'

'The High Commissioner in her report mentioned that investigations can also be pursued under universal jurisdiction. This is happening in Germany already'

The representative of Russia @mfa_russia claimed:

'Sri Lanka must itself without external pressure determine the priorities for action, and the areas which require international assistance, only in that way, can the measures truly be effective'

France's representative @francediplo maintained that 'lasting development is inextricably linked to achieving human rights'

North Macedonia representative @MFA_MKD stated:

'Sri Lanka needs to take urgent steps to ensure criminal accountability domestically. Additionally, we support the Office of the high commissioner, to help preserve information and evidence for future accountability processes'.

'Madam High Commissioner, your report sets the alarm for possible recurrence of grave human rights violation. The council should recognise your call for early warning action and adapt to the Proposed resolution by consensus'.

Australia's representative @dfat
'We recognise the high commissioner's concerns regarding the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, including the need for accountability measures that acknowledged past and ongoing grievances protection of the right to freedom of religion [...]'

'including in responses to COVID-19 such as opposed to cremations, and an environment in which civil society, including human rights defenders and journalists, can play their vital roles'.

Japan representative stated @MofaJapan_en

'It is vital that Sri Lanka itself takes actions and introduces remedies to realise reconciliation and improvement of human rights, Japan sincerely hopes to Lanka will follow this path [...]

'and expects the international community [...] to support, Sri Lanka's own initiatives to plan has supported the reconciliation process through capacity building in the justice system'.

Belgium's representative @BelgiumMFA:

'Belgium aligns itself with the statement by the European Union thanks High Commissioner for the report, we are gravely concerned at the undermining of the efforts by Lanka in recent years, towards accountability and human rights'

'We also call for an end to all forms of surveillance and intimidation of victims human rights defenders journalists and civil society stakeholders who play an essential role in a democratic society'

‘We regret that their efforts towards the natural process of accountability and reconciliation through various domestic Commission's of inquiry have failed while the human rights situation has been deteriorating [...] - Marshall Islands @mofatrmi

'But also concerned about the shrinking civil society and media space and the numerous cases of extrajudicial killings.’ - Marshall Islands

‘We're also concerned about the accelerating militarisation of civil government functions, especially the appointments of senior military officials who have been implicated in knowledge of war crimes and crimes against humanity' - Marshall Islands

'To me the final news of the conflict to the current human rights situation points towards a heightened risk of future violations and taking preventive action is of utmost importance.’

'In our view, country report before the council, often debate, from the principal objective key command wires rely on unmodified and grounded submissions paid by the media and dishonest forces' - DPRK/Korea

'Pakistan has always advocated dialogue and cooperation as preferred means to promote and protect human rights accordingly we call for the continuation of consultations with the democratically elected Sri Lankan government' - Pakistan

'India's consultant position rests on two pillars support facile and community and territorial integrity and abiding commitment to aspirations of the Tamils of Sri Lanka for equality justice, peace and dignity'. - India

'We call upon Sri Lanka to take necessary steps for addressing such as prisons, including through the process of reconciliation and full implementation of the 13th amendment to the Constitution as the assessment of the High Commissioner range of important concerns'.

'We note the report of the High Commissioner on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka committing violations of human rights that can undermine the progress made particularly under resolution/31 [...]' - Gabon

'we call on the Office of the High Commissioner to continue dialogue and cooperation with the authorities of Sri Lanka to promote social cohesion and peace'. - Gabon

'We are concerned by accounts of increasing marginalisation of minority communities, shrinking space for civil society, [...] We remain concerned about the lack of accountability, including high-level appointments of military officials credibly accused of conflict era abuses'-USA

'We note that the Sri Lankans Commission of Inquiry does not include a mandate to pursue accountability and that the Office of missing persons and Office of reparations need to operate without political interference' - USA

'We note that respect for the human rights of all Sri Lankans is critical to Sri Lanka's long term peace, security and prosperity and call on the Sri Lankan government to take meaningful concrete steps to promote accountability, justice and reconciliation'.

'Madam President, You don't appreciate Sri Lanka for its cooperation and engagement with the court [...] showing the determination of Sri Lanka, to promote and protect human rights of its people - Iran

'It is the consistent standard China to oppose politicisation double standards of human rights, as well as using human rights as a pretext for interference in other's internal affairs' - China

‘We have looked carefully at the report of the OHCHR and note that it is one-sided and not impartial. It is disappointing that the report does not take into account information provided by the Government of Sri Lanka.’ - Belarus

‘We believe that the country is well-positioned to find solutions within established democratic processes. We are confident that the OHCHR, the Human Rights Council, and its mechanisms and the government of Sri Lanka will closely cooperate.’ - Maldives

'Its crucial that the Sri Lankan authorities effectively address the harmful legacies of war centred democratic and independent institutions [...] we respect the government's decision to set and internally conduct process to advance reconciliation' - Montenegro

'Sri Lanka has a valiant effort to reassert democratic norms and preserve order and stability of the country. We hope Sri Lanka, the Human Rights Council and the international community will continue to invest in constructive dialogue' -Vietnam

Syria renews its objection to double standards and politicisation and the work of the Council, and it emphasises the respect for the principles of inclusivity objectivity and non-selectivity in dealing with human rights issues - Syria

Human rights ‘must be discussed through a genuine dialogue-based approach with non-confrontation, non-politicisation and then selectivity based on verified source of information, bearing in mind, the National particularity of each country.’ - Cambodia

'We believe that reports by human rights bodies should avoid non-verified information, including news reports or comments gathered from ongoing discussions and consultations and comments of the country concern should be given a proper place' - Nepal

We stress the importance of abiding by the principles of universality objectivity and keeping away from selectivity and double standards and interference in the internal affairs of the countries - Egypt

Ireland aligns with the statement of the EU and welcomes the high commissioner's report and we share her concern regarding worrying, human rights trends in Sri Lanka, including the shrinking democratic space, the surveillance and obstruction of civil society and [...]

'and the militarization of civilian government functions [...] We deeply regret that the High Commissioner his recent findings do not identify a renewed spirit of reconciliation and accountability' - Ireland

'On the contrary, it finds that minorities are being increasingly marginalised and excluded, including in statements by Sri Lanka's leadership and their national vision' - Ireland

We urge authorities to reengage and cooperate fully with this council [...] We also call on Sri Lanka to promptly and thoroughly investigate all allegations of human rights violations [...] ensure those responsible are prosecuted and provide adequate remedy to victims -Ireland

'All matters folding within the domestic jurisdiction of UN member states, including that of Sri Lanka must be resolved through dialogue and cooperation, based on respect for the rule of law, independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity - Azerbaijan

'like other UN member states support the constructive engagement and cooperation between the states...to address human rights issues in a fair objective, non politicised and non-selective manner - Laos

‘It is important that the reports presented here encourage international constructive cooperation and respect among nations instead of provoking divisions which do not guarantee any support to our peoples to establish solid lasting peace.’ - Nicaragua

‘The resolution of that gave rise to this dialogue does not have the support of this concerned country. First, any action or mandate from it will only contribute to politicisation selectivity and double standards' - Cuba

‘We are concerned that this report fails to grounded so properly on textual realities, particularly the challenges of addressing the grave threat of the pandemic and terrorism.’ - Philippines

'Sri Lanka has demonstrated responsibility to promote and protect human rights [...] In this regard, dignified engagement and cooperation predicted in mutual respect and understanding based on national priorities' is needed -Eritrea

‘When Sri Lanka announced its decision to withdraw its co-sponsorship of resolution 40/1 [...] it expressed its intention to continue a ‘process of reconciliation and inclusive accountability, designed and delivered at the national level’ Switzerland

‘However, this report concludes that these national initiatives have not produced results, entrenching impunity more deeply and exacerbating victims' mistrust of the system. Sri Lanka would thus remain in a state of denial of the past.’ - Switzerland

‘Switzerland remains deeply concerned about this impunity for international crimes and serious human rights violations alleged to have been committed more than ten years ago.’

Switzerland ‘calls on the Sri Lankan government to accept and implement the High Commissioner's recommendations as well as the content of previous resolutions [...] At the same time [we] encourage the Council to take further action for victims and justice in Sri Lanka.’

‘Venezuela rejects paragraph 59 of the report, which involves any interference with the Sri Lankan process. This Council has to support the efforts made by Sri Lanka and it’s people based on dialogue and cooperation, which are the mark of its work.’ - Venezuela

Excerpts from concluding remarks by @NadaNashif:

Militarisation of civilian functions not ‘exclusive to Covid-19’ but includes ‘the appointment of military personnel to multiple task forces, dealing with issues as diverse as poverty reduction and archaeological heritage.’

Victims ‘must have a central place’ in any accountability mechanism. ‘The national consultation processes that accompanies resolution 30/1 in Sri Lanka, recommended such a victim centred approach but we have seen that victims have been ignored and left out.’

‘We are concerned that harassment surveillance and scrutiny by security agencies of families lawyers and others have undermined the work of institutions like the OMP. Domestic processes continue to be unable to deliver any meaningful resolutions.’

@NadaNashif noted that all material documentation and evidence should be ‘securely preserved in one place where it can really be made available to support future accountability processes, and judicial proceedings including in member states with the competent jurisdiction.’

‘The High Commissioner clearly recommends that the government orders all security agencies to immediately end all forms of surveillance and harassment, including reprisals against human rights defenders social actors and victims.‘

Sri Lanka has failed to address past violations and to end impunity. It’s ‘essential that the Council remains alert and uses the full range of the toolbox that we put on offer to prevent any further escalation.’

‘Strengthening the capacity of this office to monitor human rights violations is also essential,’ @NadaNashif concluded.