Thread by @TamilGuardian

LIVE- British parliament debates the 'UK’s commitment to reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka' #UK #SriLanka #UNHRC46

parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/d0…

Siobhain McDonagh, MP for Mitcham and Morden,

'I have stood alongside my Tamil constituents on the road to truth, justice and accountability. 12 years that has presented them with so many challenges, so little progress, and so much pain'. #SriLanka #Genocide #Tamil #UNHRC46

'The most recent peak of genocidal killings against the Tamil people was committed by then President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother Gotabaya, the current president. They are the present-day link to the atrocities of the past' #GenocideSriLanka

'The government designated no-fire zone where Tamil civilians took refuge is an utterly horrifying today as it was those 12 years ago, as are the big findings of the expert that government forces, even systematically shelled hospitals'

'To this day, no one has been held accountable for international crimes committed crimes that have led many to accuse the Sri Lankan government of genocide against the Tamil community'.

'The pursuit of justice must now move decisively forward with more sincerity from the international community. The Human Rights Council meeting happening right now provides the perfect opportunity'.

'The previous resolution promised the establishment of a process of justice, accountability, reform and reconciliation, but six years on and Sri Lanka has made clear that he has absolutely no intention of pursuing prosecutions, or legal redress for war crimes'

Turning to the proposed UN resolution, McDonagh states, 'it disappointingly falls short'.

'There is no recommendation to pursue criminal accountability by referral to the International Criminal Court'.

'I could barely believe my eyes reading the government's reasoning, citing insufficient Security Council support. Who are we to cast the veto for China or Russia before they have done so themselves'.

'Our role on the international stage must be to send the loudest message that impunity will not be tolerated. Not to preempt the inaction of other nations'.

'There is a clear need for an international impartial and independent mechanism to investigate the most serious international crimes'. Can the Minister 'confirm the preparation of files to facilitate criminal proceedings will be carried out in line with international law'

'Why haven't we applied sanctions against those credibly accused of gross human rights violations, the US has designated General Silva, and his immediate family over his role in war crimes. It's an immediate step, we could take' @Siobhain_Mc

'The Rajapaksa government even insisted on forced cremation, for those who had died from Coronavirus disregarding the religious beliefs of the Christians and Muslim communities in the country. The ongoing attacks on human rights is undeniable'. @Siobhain_Mc

'I cannot see the foreign secretary @DominicRaab, perhaps I shouldn't be surprised. He repeated he had caught declined to meet with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils, in the build-up to the UNHRC meeting. Minister, with all due respect, where is he?'

'We owe a debt of thanks to the huge number of Tamils working tirelessly on the front line of our NHS. I sincerely thank them. I say loud and clear that however long the road to reconciliation may still be. We will keep fighting for justice and human rights'. @Siobhain_Mc

Elliot Colburn, MP for Carshalton & Wallington, @ElliotColburn

'Sri Lanka have withdrawn their support for these UN resolutions, and the evidence collected has painted a very worrying story of the picture on the ground [...] infringement on human rights have been on the rise'

'These have included the false cremations of COVID-19 victims regardless of their religious beliefs, causing grief and anguish to Sri Lankan Christians, Muslims and others.'
- @ElliotColburn

'The police Criminal Investigation Department has been repeatedly visiting members of advocacy groups on the islands, who are campaigning for justice following the disappearance of their family members during the war' - @ElliotColburn

'The state-supported demolition of a terrible memorial monument at Jaffna University, and attempts to prevent Tamil Memorial events from taking place at all have been causing anguish amongst the community, occupying private land in the name of security and so much more'.

'It is clear that there is no scope, at this present time for a domestic accountability mechanism in Sri Lanka, so the UK must once again demonstrate its global leadership on this issue to support an international accountability mechanism' - @ElliotColburn

'The initial zero draft resolution published by the UK in February, and presented to the UNHRC fell well short of providing the action that was needed'.

'There is so much more that needs to be done so we must act NOW before the conclusion of the UNHRC session at the end of the month, to ensure that there is a true international accountability mechanism in place'. -@ElliotColburn

Matthew Offord MP for Hendon, @Offord4Hendon:

“I do regret the government of Sri Lanka's decision to withdraw support for the UNHCR resolution 30/1. I know that previous domestic initiatives have failed to deliver meaningful accountability.”

“It will be good to see reform of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and progress on the release of political prisoners. We must act as a critical friend to the country.” - @Offord4Hendon

Next speaker is MP for Brent Central, @DawnButlerBrent - "Ambihai Selvakumar was on hunger strike [...] to highlight the injustices currently in Sri Lanka, and the campaign in her own words, is a demand for justice for the genocide of Tamils, carried out by the Sri Lankan state."

“[This] sparked a number of solidarity hunger strikes across the North-East. I hope when the minister gets to his feet that he will address these four demands” - @DawnButlerBrent

“1. Recommend to the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly that Sri Lanka be referred to the International Criminal Court and take steps to effectively investigate charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity and genocide” - @DawnButlerBrent

“2. Establish a IIIM, akin to those established for Syria and Myanmar, which mandates the evidence of international crimes and human rights violations be collected and be prepared for criminal prosecutions.” - @DawnButlerBrent

"She also states that a meaningful independent investigation must also have a strict timeframe. 3. Mandate to appoint a special rapporteur to continue to monitor Sri Lanka for ongoing violations and have an on-field presence in Sri Lanka" - @DawnButlerBrent

" and 4. Recommend a UN monitored referendum to determine the aspirations of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, on the basis that North-East of Sri Lanka is the traditional Tamil homeland & the Tamils have a right to self determination" - @DawnButlerBrent

The next speaker is MP for Harlow, @halfon4harlowMP: “In the final five months [...] it is estimated that between 40-70,000 civilians were killed. Some 280,000 Tamils remained incarcerated in barbed wired camps for years with thousands of enforced, or involuntary disappearances."

“Mr Deputy Speaker, their relatives continue to search for their whereabouts and for justice. 12 years on from the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka, little progress has been made to secure justice and autonomy for the Tamil community” - @halfon4harlowMP

"Still, there is no real accountability. The Sri Lankan state continues to target Tamil people in all aspects of their lives through surveillance by denying them of their livelihoods, physical security, economics, freedom of expression and freedom of worship" - @halfon4harlowMP

"UN High Commissioner of Human Rights issued a report, expressing deep concern [...] with Sri Lanka. She said, there are clear, early warning signs of a deteriorating human rights situation and a significantly heightened risk of future violations" - @halfon4harlowMP

“So I ask the Minister, what action is this government taking to prevent future cycles of violence and promote autonomy for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka?” - @halfon4harlowMP

“In 2015, Sri Lanka agreed to co-sponsor a resolution to promote accountability, justice and reconciliation. But despite this pledge and repeated extensions […] successive Sri Lankan governments have delayed and obfuscated at every turn.” - @halfon4harlowMP

“The Sri Lankan government has repeatedly reneged on its pledges to investigate and prosecute wartime atrocity crimes.” - @halfon4harlowMP

“Now is the time for strong international action, led by the UK once again, to secure justice for the Tamil community, recognition of the genocide and a proper accountability mechanism.” - @halfon4harlowMP

“In February, tens of thousands of people joined one of the largest rallies in the Tamil homeland since the end of armed conflict in 2009. They marched for five days from the east to the north of the island, calling for justice.” - @halfon4harlowMP

“That same month 500 British Tamil organisations wrote to our Foreign Secretary, seeking an independent mechanism for evidence collection, and the referral of Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court.” - @halfon4harlowMP

“12 long years have passed. I urge the Minister to listen to the Tamil community here in the UK and in Sri Lanka to recognise the genocide, secure justice for the Tamil community [...] and refer Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court.” - @halfon4harlowMP

The next speaker is MP for Kingston and Surbiton, @EdwardJDavey:

“We have witnessed time and again, the Tamil people being harmed by the Sri Lankan government and let down by the international community.”

“Human rights are again under attack in Sri Lanka. Recent reports from numerous human rights organisations, as well as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, paint a disturbing picture.” - @EdwardJDavey

“From the appalling treatment of Sri Lanka's Muslim and Christian communities during COVID-[19] to the continuing human rights abuses against the Tamil population across the island, things are getting worse as the international community rings its hands.” - @EdwardJDavey

“It is clear that domestic mechanisms for accountability in Sri Lanka have failed again. They just cannot be relied on. An international mechanism has always been needed to enable allegations of genocide, war crimes [...] to be properly examined and investigated.” - @EdwardJDavey

“Many have campaigned for such mechanisms. Sadly, time has proven us right. [Sri Lanka] didn't deliver on any of the promises made to the international community and then last March, [they] walked away totally.” - @EdwardJDavey

“It’s clear the Sri Lankan government will continue to deny, delay and evade. We urgently need a new international solution. The 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council is currently underway giving the UK the opportunity to demand accountability in Sri Lanka.” - @EdwardJDavey

“But regrettably the draft resolution on Sri Lanka totally fails to rise to the challenge. Even though the UK is a leader of the core group. As it stands, the draft resolution is too vague and lacks robust commitment to international accountability mechanisms.” - @EdwardJDavey

“[The] resolution is simply far too weak. That's why the Liberal Democrats continue to call on the UK Government to work with international partners to ensure a proper international independent investigative mechanism to establish what is happening in Sri Lanka.” - @EdwardJDavey

“There must be a robust international mechanism, which ensures that evidence can be collected and files can be prepared for prosecution.” - @EdwardJDavey

“The British Tamil community is growing frustrated on the lack of meaningful progress in finding justice, and I share this frustration. So it's time for the UK to also undertake bilateral actions to push for accountability.” - @EdwardJDavey

“I've long called for an end to arms exports to Sri Lanka. It is preposterous that arms exports are still not banned. The government should look at Magnitsky-style sanctions, in case individuals are perpetrating human rights abuses.” - @EdwardJDavey

“It's time that countries work together to support the democratic and human rights of the Tamil people and [stop] allowing the Sri Lankan government to become increasingly under the influence of Beijing. It's time we stood up for the human rights of Tamil people.” - @EdwardJDavey

The next speaker is Theresa Villiers MP for Chipping Barnet.

“Over a decade later, as we've heard today, human rights abuses against Tamils persist,” she says.

“In a deeply worrying report [...] Bachelet highlights accelerating militarisation of civilian governmental functions, reversal of important constitutional safeguards and political obstruction of accountability, exclusionary rhetoric and intimidation of civil society.” - Villiers

“Mr Deputy Speaker, domestic initiatives to secure accountability for war crimes have failed to produce results. Ms Bachelet fears this entrenched impunity could contribute to past crimes being repeated.” - Villiers

“Ministers and officials under this present Conservative government continue to lead efforts to secure a tough new resolution at the Human Rights Council. Welcome progress has been made on that resolution but the international community needs to match words and deeds.” - Villiers

“It's time for the UK Government to use its Magnitsky sanctions regime to target the men that UN believes are culpable for the atrocities that took place during the Sri Lankan Civil War.” - Villiers

“That is one of the key asks of my British Tamil constituents, and I believe that that could finally help break the deadlock and open the way for justice... and a better future for Sri Lanka.” – Villiers

“Not one of the individual cases identified by the UN as emblematic has led to a successful prosecution. In one of the few cases where a member of the military was convicted, President Rajapaksa chose to issue a pardon.” - Villiers

“Some of those implicated in war crimes have even been appointed to senior positions. Over 40 civil society institutions have reported harassment and surveillance. Reporters Without Borders [reported an] alarming resurgence in attacks on Tamil journalists.” - Villiers

The next speaker is MP for Slough, @TanDhesi:

“Mr Deputy Speaker, the Tamil community, victims of violence, and their families must feel that their voices are being heard. This has not, sadly, been the case.”

“I want to address one very specific abuse of human rights, the forced cremation of those who have died from [COVID-19]. Cremation of human bodies is forbidden in some religions [but] Sri Lankan authorities have been cremating COVID-19 victims regardless of religion.” - @TanDhesi

“The Sri Lankan government's chief epidemiologist claimed that burials would, and I quote, contaminate ground drinking water. There is absolutely no medical or scientific basis for this.” - @TanDhesi

The World Health Organisation has made it clear that human remains, can be safely buried without risk of spreading COVID-19. And across the world, including right here in the UK, countries have safely buried bodies of those who have tragically died from this virus.” - @TanDhesi

“Whilst reports indicate that these measures are being reversed [...] this has been seen by many as being in the broader context of oppression of minorities. As a vice chair of the APPG for Sri Lankan Muslims, I appreciate their deep pain and legitimate concerns.” - @TanDhesi

“Mr Deputy Speaker, when the war ended after 25 years of death and destruction, we had hoped for a lasting peace for every citizen of Sri Lanka. We had hoped for the rule of law and universal human rights.” - @TanDhesi

“Recent events show we still have a long way to go yet. Our UK Government must step up to the plate and impress upon the #LKA government, the need to respect, universal human rights & the critical need to follow the path of accountability, justice and reconciliation.” - @TanDhesi

The next speaker is MP for Harrow East, @BobBlackman:

“There are still many people who are unaccounted for. We don't know what happened to them. My constituent, Ambihai Selvakumar has been on hunger strike in relation to seeking justice for the Tamil people.”

“There are all sorts of atrocities against the minority Muslims across Sri Lanka. Now the reality is that there is a deep religious persecution going on in Sri Lanka where there's a majority, big majority of Buddhists, against all the minority religions.” @BobBlackman

“I was recently able to lead a virtual delegation to the UN Human Rights Council on behalf of @COSMOSUKSL. I'd actually draw attention of the Human Rights Council to the atrocities being subjected to the Muslim minority in Sri Lanka.” - @BobBlackman

“I urge the minister to give a deep commitment to ensure that we act as a country to strengthen the resolution and to make people, particularly the leadership in Sri Lanka, face up to their responsibilities and minority rights are protected.” - @BobBlackman

“I hope that we will be leading the way, rather than following,” concludes @BobBlackman.

The next speaker is MP for Strangford, @JimShannonMP:

“I'm very concerned about Sri Lankan government's withdrawal from its commitment to reconciliation to accountability to human rights.”

“There were frequent reports of acts of intolerance and the failure of the state to protect individuals and communities targeted. Muslim communities and Christian churches face a range of harassment and assaults, mob violence and obstruction of religious rights.” - @JimShannonMP

“From 2015 to June 2019, The National Christian Evangelical Alliance for Sri Lanka has documented an estimated 387 types of violations targeting Christians.” - @JimShannonMP

“Since the bombings, Sri Lankan Muslims have faced an upsurge in violation of their basic rights, as well as assaults, and indeed other abuse.” - @JimShannonMP

“We have to address the issue [on a] legal basis as Sri Lankan government constitution declares Buddhish, given the foremost place by the state. A 2003 Supreme Court rulings determined that the state was constitutionally required to protect only Buddhism. ” - @JimShannonMP

The forced cremations of Muslims and Christians is based “on absolutely no scientific or medical evidence,” says @JimShannonMP.

The next speaker is MP for Epsom and Ewell, Chris Grayling.

“I do, Mr Deputy Speaker, have a vivid memory of being in Sri Lanka a few years ago as warplanes passed overhead, heading the direction of the Tamil areas of the country”.

“Whilst I'm in no doubt that there was sometimes dreadful deeds on both sides, it is the plight of the Tamil community particularly which rightly attracts international concern. It's concerns which is rightly shared by politicians, across this house today.” – Grayling

“And I know from my own constituency, the Tamil community that lives and worships here, how strong the sense of regret, resentment and anger still is amongst that community and also have a real and strongly concerns are for surviving relatives still in Sri Lanka.” - Grayling

“Many of my constituents lost relatives during the civil war, many of them still fear for relatives, where it's clear that the pressures on the Tamil community have not gone away.” - Grayling

“It is a tragedy, but I also represent a community with members of the Sinhalese community living and working, playing an important part for example, in our NHS.” - Grayling

“[The UNHRC resolution] calls on the government of Sri Lanka to investigate and prosecute all allegations of gross human rights violations and serious violations of international law.” - Grayling

“[This is] the minimum necessary to start Sri Lanka back on the road to justice and stability. We've heard about the hunger strike by Mrs. Selvakumar. The fact that she chose to do this underlines the frustration of the Tamil community on how much still has to be done.”- Grayling

"And it's my hope, Mr Deputy Speaker, that the Sri Lankan government is listening to this debate, listening to the cross party contributions because this is an issue that unites members on all sides of the house.” - Grayling

“I hope that they will be provoked to think about their future, and what's in the interest of their country. Because in the end, no government succeeds by failing to respect the rights of all of its citizens.” - Grayling

“The damage to its international reputation feeds through to its economy. So it really is time now for the government in Colombo, to act in its national interest, to recognise the deep international concern about what has happened, and what is still happening.” - Grayling

“Unless there is justice in Sri Lanka for everyone and justice for all members of the Tamil community, that potentially great country will never in reality be able to fulfil its potential. Without justice, its reputation in the world will remain seriously tarnished.” - Grayling

The next speaker is MP for Totnes, @AnthonyMangnal1:

“If I may also associate myself with [Theresa Villiers] in relation to the Magnitsky Act, & making sure that we use its full potential, to ensure that we can bring people to justice who are committing human rights violations."

“The progress that has been made since 2009 has been incredibly limited, and in fact the Sri Lankan government's decision to go reverse their position is one of grave concern.” - @AnthonyMangnal1

“In recent weeks and months we've heard the Foreign Secretary talk about the need for the UNHRC to restore its reputation, to make sure that it acts on human rights violations. Well I would say that we too can do well to listen to that advice.” - @AnthonyMangnal1

“The international community, at a point in which it is fractured and divided, could again become united in addressing the violations of human rights of countries. Sri Lanka would be a good place to start.” - @AnthonyMangnal1

“A recent report from the UN stated there continues to be credible allegations of abductions, tortures and sexual violence by Sri Lankan security forces.” - @AnthonyMangnal1

“I suggest that we push forward to create an own new international body that can help document these crimes, can help support survivors and can help lead international prosecutions.” - @AnthonyMangnal1

“[...] make sure that at the G7 we are raising these issues to be able to provide the support for those who have endured human rights violations, to ensure that those perpetrators are brought to justice, to ensure that the culture of impunity is shattered.” - @AnthonyMangnal1

The next speaker is MP for Strangford, @MargaretFerrier:

“The seriousness and urgency of this debate cannot be understated. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and PM Mahinda Rajapaksa stand accused of multiple historic and ongoing human rights violations.”

“That administration continues to prevent any accountability from the Sri Lankan military, many of whose leader stand credibly accused of innumerable war crimes. These leaders include army commander Shavendra Silva, and Secretary of Defence Kamal Gunaratne.” - @MargaretFerrier

“In February 2017, relatives of the disappeared in the North-East, mainly Tamil women began a continuous protest seeking the truth about what happened to the loved ones. At least 78 of the protestors have sadly passed away since the beginning of the protests.” - @MargaretFerrier

“ [...] without ever learning the truth about what happened to their families. There isn't at present no prospect that these families will ever know real accountability from officials responsible via the domestic justice system in Sri Lanka.” - @MargaretFerrier

“The US applied sanctions on army commander Silva for his complicity in human rights abuses in February last year, the UK should immediately fall in designating both General Silva and Secretary of Defence Gunaratna on the UK sanctions list.” - @MargaretFerrier

“Furthermore, given the Sri Lankan military's continued complicity in preventing any accountability for historic and ongoing crimes against humanity, we should immediately stop UK defence engagement with the Sri Lanka armed forces.” - @MargaretFerrier

“The UK has a long record of training Sri Lankan military and security forces on human rights issues, but there's no evidence of significant changes in the approach of the military to human rights, nor the effects of vetting or accountability in the army.” - @MargaretFerrier

The next speaker is MP for Ilford North, @wesstreeting:

“We've been here many times before discussing the same issues, the appalling atrocities committed during the [war] - both the literal scars, and the emotional scars that survivors of that conflict, continue to feel today.”

“Not only do we have a government that's withdrawn from the commitments that Sri Lanka made to the international community, we have the same cast of characters that were responsible for perpetrating human rights abuses during the [war], back in power.” - @wesstreeting

[...] and resistant to any sense that they should be at all accountable both for their historic actions and for ongoing human rights violations.” - @wesstreeting

“So my question to the Minister is, what is now going to change beyond this resolution to change the lived experience of people in Sri Lanka and the Tamil community in Sri Lanka & around the world that are seeking, accountability and justice for historic crimes?” - @wesstreeting

“We’re able to take bilateral action to apply Magnitsky sanctions against rogues and criminals that perpetrated human rights abuses. After years of campaigning for justice my Tamil constituents aren't just looking for warm words, [but] for action and leadership.” - @wesstreeting

The next speaker is MP for Hayes and Harlington, @johnmcdonnellMP:

“How many more times do we have to be here before we get firm action?”

“I want to thank the Honourable Members who’ve secured this vitally important debate. I also want to pay tribute to all my constituents and their community groups [that] have contacted me to express their views about the situation, deteriorating in Sri Lanka.” - @johnmcdonnellMP

“All of them, especially from the Tamil community have impressed upon me, the need for decisive international action to secure what, just a peaceful and just future for the country.” - @johnmcdonnellMP

“These next few days in the run up to the UN Human Rights Council on Monday, are critical to securing a meaningful international intervention that could lead to that better future.” - @johnmcdonnellMP

“That's why I do support the call in this debate for urgent action from the highest levels of our government, in particular the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary to ensure that the resolution is strengthened for Monday.” - @johnmcdonnellMP

“I urge the government to draw upon the full range of our diplomatic relationships, especially our friends in the Commonwealth countries in Africa and Asia.” - @johnmcdonnellMP

“Many of us have been shocked but not surprised at the latest report on the situation in Sri Lanka from the UN Human Rights Commissioner. It sets out straightforwardly the validity of the concerns that our own constituents have drawn our attention to.” - @johnmcdonnellMP

“I repeat what others have said, the seriousness of these issues, means that the UK Government must throw its full diplomatic weight behind the strengthening of the UNHRC resolution and make sure that we follow it through the implementation [process].” - @johnmcdonnellMP

“The adoption of the resolution does not preclude individual countries like ours from taking their own international unilateral action. I believe that this country has a special responsibility for action as a former colonial power.” - @johnmcdonnellMP

“It was also us that united the three kingdoms, one of them that was a Tamil kingdom, into one country, and then left in 1948.” - @johnmcdonnellMP

“We've got to ensure that all trade and aid agreements with Sri Lanka are only granted following the full ratification by Sri Lanka government of the human rights conventions of the UN but also to fulfil their pledge to scrap the Prevention of Terrorism Act.” - @johnmcdonnellMP

“I support all those members who said that we should be using the Magnitsky provisions that we've recently put into legislation to ensure that we take action against those individuals that are accused of gross human rights violations.” - @johnmcdonnellMP

“Finally, we've got to ensure that we fully funded support bodies investigating human rights abuses, war crimes and indeed, making sure that we also bring onto the agenda, the genocide or claims that were undertaken during the war in Sri Lanka.” - @johnmcdonnellMP

The next speaker is MP for Coventry North West, @TaiwoOwatemi:

“I've been contacted by a number of my constituents distressed by the pain and suffering caused by the war. The persecution of the Tamil community is still very real.”

“Many of us have been contacted about the hunger strike taken by Mrs Selvakumar. The fact that [she] feels that this is the only way to get a voice heard is deeply saddening. The move away from the UN Human Rights Council resolution by Sri Lanka is troubling.” - @TaiwoOwatemi

“We have seen accelerat[ed] militarisation of civilian government functions, the erosion of the independence of the judiciary and key institutions, increased marginalisation of Tamil and Muslim communities and even the destruction of a memorial to the victims.” - @TaiwoOwatemi

“There is ongoing impunity and obstruction of accountability for the crimes and human rights violations that have occurred. Victims and their families are calling for international accountability.” - @TaiwoOwatemi

“The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has requested the members of the UNHRC cooperate with victims and their representatives investigate, and indeed, prosecute international crimes committed by all parties in Sri Lanka.” - @TaiwoOwatemi

“Our government must commit to doing all that it can, to have these crimes investigated and the perpetrators prosecuted. Will the [British] government commit to using the [Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime] Act to prevent further abuses in Sri Lanka?” - @TaiwoOwatemi

The next speaker is MP for East Ham, @stephenctimms:

“The resolution to be voted on next week comes at a crucial time. It should make a reference to the International Criminal Court.”

“The evidence gathering element is crucial to maintain material for international accountability which Sri Lanka has resisted for so long but which must, in due course come. I welcome the proposed commitment to regular reports back on the conditions.” - @stephenctimms

“As others have reminded of the house, we now have a UK mechanism for sanctions against those guilty of human rights atrocities. Will we sanction, those guilty in Sri Lanka?” - @stephenctimms

“The US, has rightly designated army commander Shavendra Silva. He led the ground assault on the beaches of Mullivaikkal… attacking civilians, hospitals, medical staff, no fire zones.” - @stephenctimms

“Will we now do so to Kamal Gunaratne, now Defence Secretary, who led a February 2009 assault attacking civilian hospitals and food distribution points... he commanded the Joseph army camp, notorious for torture after the war. Will we sanction him?” - @stephenctimms

“Why on earth, Mr Deputy Speaker, do we have a resident defence advisor in Colombo providing training and legitimacy? He's met at least five people credibly accused of mass atrocities. Surely, that advisor must now be withdrawn.” - @stephenctimms

“Before the 2019 Sri Lankan election, the government there paid lip service to the Human Rights Council resolution they co-sponsored with the UK. The calculation seemed to be if the government gave lip service the international community would leave them alone.” - @stephenctimms

“And they were right. There was no serious effort to hold Sri Lanka to account. The new government elected in 2019 includes as we've heard, guilty men. it's no longer pretending. It's simply withdrawn.” - @stephenctimms

“The @SLcampaign which has Tamil, Muslim and Sinhalese support, said last month ‘respect for the rule of law and human rights that demonstrably diminished.’ The President now controls all senior judicial appointments in a climate of fear.” - @stephenctimms

“Witnesses and victims are intimidated. The President has promoted war criminals, military officers run COVID-19 contact tracing, threatening activists and victims and Muslims are targeted. The Human Rights Council must pass an ambitious resolution next week.” - @stephenctimms

The next speaker is MP for Harrow West, @GarethThomasMP:

“Many of those who are Tamil, who live in my constituency, believe that nothing short of a genocide continues to take place against the Tamil citizens in Sri Lanka.”

“There is deep, deep frustration with the apparent impunity of the Rajapaksa family and their supporters from either domestic or international accountability. There’s anger with the current UK Government for its tolerance and complicity at international level.” - @GarethThomasMP

“There is disbelief too that Tamil refugees might be returned to a country so obviously ravaged by human rights abuses and there is a demand [...] for Britain to use the powers [...] to account those clearly implicated in serious human rights abuses.” - @GarethThomasMP

“The Tamil community want ministers to back a call for Sri Lanka to be referred to the International Criminal Court” - @GarethThomasMP

“A number of members have already referenced the courage of Mrs Ambihai Selvakumar in her recent hunger strike, which I'm pleased to say for her sake has ended, but which did serve to draw international attention to the issues that we are debating today.” - @GarethThomasMP

“I strongly support the call by Michelle Bachelet echoed by my honourable friends today for Britain to use the Magnitsky sanctions that it does have available to use it against Shavendra Silva and Kamal Gunaratne.” - @GarethThomasMP

“I wanted to praise the recent @amnesty report and note the important contribution from @FreefromTorture urging the Home Office to take another look with the Foreign Office at the [guidance] it uses to judge whether refugees should be returned to Sri Lanka” - @GarethThomasMP

“Quite clearly given the scale of torture and other human rights abuses, it would be totally wrong to return people with credible concerns about the situation in Sri Lanka. I look forward to the minister finally taking some serious action against Sri Lanka.” - @GarethThomasMP

The next speaker is MP for Glasgow North East, @AnneMcLaughlin:

“It is a crime against humanity itself that nobody’s been found accountable since this war ended 12 years ago.”

“There’s been a sleight of hands performances with successive governments, promising the international community and their own people, that they will do X, Y and Z, then drawing back. At the end of the day, progress is never made. Accountability never happens.” - @AnneMcLaughlin

“I heard firsthand what has happened to people... one man gave me a copy of a book he'd written about his account as abuses against the Tamil community. He was so afraid of what might happen [...] that he removed the cover and replaced it with another.” - @AnneMcLaughlin

“[...] I got to understand more about what has happened. About the IDP camps, the missing people, the torture, the sexual violence and the *shelling* of so called no fire zones.” - @AnneMcLaughlin

“It's clear now which direction the Sri Lankan government is heading and the UK Government must step up its commitment to reconciliation, accountability and human rights.” - @AnneMcLaughlin

"I believe the 20th amendment which removes almost every check on the executive powers of the President to be the most significant signal that there is no respect for the rule of law. Donald Trump is an amateur compared to this guy.” - @AnneMcLaughlin

“This government is led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was the Defence Secretary in the final throes of the war. His brother Mahinda Rajapaksa has been appointed as PM and we've heard about nine other family members holding senior positions.” - @AnneMcLaughlin

“They have consistently blocked, undermined and obstructed investigations and court cases. The missing are still missing. The President pardoned a soldier [who] was guilty of the killing of 8 Tamil civilians, including 5 year old child, and 2 teenagers.” - @AnneMcLaughlin

“I met 2 teenage girls living in Glasgow who’d sought asylum. They watched their father shot to death in front of them by a Sri Lankan army soldier. He made them watch as he put a bullet through [his] brain. Should that soldier be tried or hailed as a war hero?” - @AnneMcLaughlin

“Sri Lanka should be removed from the enhanced framework level until it meets the conditions set and agreed to, to repeal the Prevention of Terror Act, an Act which allows arbitrary detention and strips the rights to due process for those detained.” - @AnneMcLaughlin

MP for Aberavon, @SKinnock:

“In 2009, tens of thousands [...] mostly from the Tamil community, lost their lives. It is a scar on the conscience of the world that no one has been held accountable for those crimes.”

“@FreefromTorture has forensically documented more than 300 cases of torture by the Sri Lankan state since the war ended, and it continues to receive referrals for Sri Lankan individuals today.” - @SKinnock

“The Labour Party is deeply troubled by what has been taking place in Sri Lanka, since the election of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He has militarised his government by appointing former soldiers such as Shavendra Silva and Kamal Gunaratne, to key positions in his cabinet” - @SKinnock

“He’s done huge damage to his government's credibility by withdrawing from UN Human Rights Council resolution 30/1 which sets out a process for delivering accountability for war crimes. We’re profoundly concerned by reports of forced cremation of COVID-19 victims.” - @SKinnock

“The UK has a crucial and unique responsibility to show moral and political leadership in its approach to co-ordinating the international response. The final version of the draft resolution which is set to replace 30/1, is certainly an improvement on the zero draft.” - @SKinnock

“However, we continue to have real concerns about key aspects of it. The draft resolution fails to incorporate the recommendations made by the high commissioner in her report of 27 January regarding universal or extraterritorial jurisdiction.” - @SKinnock

“Why has the government failed to include an explicit commitment to this? That suggested evidence-gathering mechanism is clearly a step in the right direction, but it stops short of recommending the establishment of a fully-fledged IIIM.” - @SKinnock

“It is clear that there is a strong basis for referring a number of senior members of the Sri Lankan military and government to the International Criminal Court. Why has the government failed to include such a recommendation in this resolution?” - @SKinnock

“We know that two of the permanent members of the UN will likely block such action. But should the position of the government really be shaped by the veto-wielding intentions of China and Russia?' - @SKinnock

“There is nothing in the resolution about prevention. Why doesn't the resolution include explicit reference to protecting human rights defenders and British diplomats travelling on a regular basis to the North-East of Sri Lanka to assess the situation on the ground?” - @SKinnock

“The unacceptably long timeline given the evidence already available will give the Sri Lankan government yet more time to obstruct and obfuscate. Why has the government failed to ensure that the resolution is based on a far shorter report timespan of six months?” - @SKinnock

“I suggested a number of Sri Lankan officials should be sanctioned under the government's global human rights sanctions regime, yet not a single Sri Lankan Government Minister official or military officer has been designated, could the Minister what’s taking so long?” - @SKinnock

“I also raised the issue of the UK defence advisors engagement with Sri Lanka's military. Since arriving in Colombo in January last year, he has met with at least four senior commanders of the Sri Lankan military who stand accused of gross human rights violations.” - @SKinnock

“Thanks to the recent leaking of comments made by the Foreign Secretary, we know that he's happy to pursue trade deals with governments that are committing human rights abuses. Are the UK pursuing a trade deal with Sri Lanka? Will human rights conditions be applied?” - @SKinnock

“[As] the UK has left the EU, will the government reassess its trading relationship with Sri Lanka? Police Scotland have made 90 deployments of officers to Sri Lanka. Have these deployments achieved tangible results or are they just lending a veneer of credibility? - @SKinnock

“The integrated review is full of snappy slogans and rhetoric, but all it really achieved was to expose the chasm between the stated ambitions, and the actual tangible actions of this government.” - @SKinnock

“If global Britain is to mean anything, it must surely mean consistently standing up for democracy, for the rule of law and for universal rights and values—not just with words, but with deeds. That must start today, and it must start with Sri Lanka.” - @SKinnock

Minister of State for Asia and MP of Selby and Ainsty, @nadams:

“The human rights situation in Sri Lanka, and the limits of progress on reconciliation and accountability raised by many honourable members is deeply concerning.”

“There have also been a number of setbacks on accountability. These include the appointment into government positions of military figures accused of war crimes.” - @nadams

“Other worrying developments include the continued harassment and surveillance of minorities and civil society groups; the increasing role of the military in civilian governments and the constitutional amendment which has extended executive control over the judiciary.”- @nadams

“The government's policy of forcibly cremating those deceased due to COVID, which has only just been recently really reversed has particularly affected the Muslim and Christian communities even now. Still, families face significant restrictions on burials.” -@nadams

“The draft calls on Sri Lanka to make progress on accountability and human rights, stressing the need for a comprehensive accountability process for all violations and abuses committed in Sri Lanka and aims to keep Sri Lanka firmly on the Human Rights Council agenda.” -@nadams

“The resolution supports future accountability processes, and it builds on the investigations conducted under previous Human Rights Council resolutions.” -@nadams

Addressing the hunger strike, @nadams stated “we absolutely recognise the concerns she's raised regarding the issues faced by Tamils in Sri Lanka. We've highlighted these concerns about the lack of progress towards post-conflict accountability, and the human rights situation.”

Addressing calls for sanctions on Sri Lankan officials, @nadams maintained “we continue to consider further designations, under this global human rights sanctions regime, and we keep all evidence and potential listings under close review.”

“Accountability and human rights must remain high on the agenda. Accountability and human rights to provide justice for all the victims of the conflict, and for the lasting reconciliation and stability that will allow the people of Sri Lanka to prosper.” -@nadams

Closing the debate, @Siobhain_Mc said “the members of the Tamil community simply cannot forget the relatives they no longer have, the relatives they have no idea where they are.”

“This is about credibility...the credibility of the British government to take seriously the loss, and distress of a community in this country.” - @Siobhain_Mc

“Are we serious about representing them or do we believe that governments that have powerful friends should be allowed to behave as they like?” - @Siobhain_Mc

“The government of Sri Lanka only understands very firm action. To rely on that government to seek out those who committed those atrocities, or to take action is simply a fool's errand, and it has to stop.” - @Siobhain_Mc