India vote against Sri Lanka on human rights issue; stresses on reconciliation at UNHRC

In the 22nd session of United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during the adoption of the Report of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva, Indian government, under pressure by DMK to vote against Sri Lanka on human rights issue, has stressed for action on issues like early progress towards reconciliation, apart from credible probe into alleged rights violations.
The government has been criticized for appreciating the Sri Lankan government for implementing India’s suggestions to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) Report and to promote trilingual policy.
In its statement India:

 

• Appreciated Sri Lanka’s acceptance of its recommendation to implement the recommendations of LLRC Report and to promote trilingual policy, also expressed the hope that other issues like early progress towards reconciliation, reduction of high security zones, return of private land by the military and phasing out of the security forces in civilian activities in the Northern Province will be done in an effective and timely manner.
• Expressed hope that the investigations of allegations of human rights violations and loss of civilian lives will be independent and credible and said that it looked forward to speedy resolution of the residual issues pertaining to the resettlement and rehabilitation process.
• Noted the commitment by the Sri Lankan Government to holding Provincial Council elections in the Northern Province in September 2013 and expected that the people of the Province would be able to exercise their democratic right as guaranteed to them by the Sri Lankan constitution at this time.

On the contrary to India’s appreciation, US expressed disappointment that Lankan government rejected all UPR recommendations from States that called upon it to implement the LLRC recommendations and called on Lankan government to efficiently implement both the UPR and LLRC recommendations.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2013

Category: International / World Current Affairs