answer text |
<p>The UK continues to encourage and support Sri Lanka to deliver the commitments
it made to the UN Human Rights Council through Resolutions 30/1 and 34/1. As stated
in my written answer on 14 March 2019, we firmly believe that this is the best framework
for establishing truth and to achieve justice and lasting reconciliation. I have made
these points personally to Sri Lankan Ministers. I welcome Sri Lanka's announcement
that it will co-sponsor a roll-over Resolution at the current session of the Human
Rights Council in Geneva, continuing its commitments to its reconciliation process.</p><p>The
UK welcomed the Annual Report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights on 21 March 2018, which assessed progress made by the Sri Lankan government
in the implementation of UN Human Rights Council resolution 30/1 and 34/1. The report
found that the Government of Sri Lanka has taken some steps to address human rights
concerns and to introduce more democratic and accountable government.</p><p>These
include the return of some military-held civilian land, the establishment of an Office
of Missing Persons and the ratification of the Convention on Enforced Disappearances.
However, as I made clear to a range of senior Ministers on my visit to Colombo in
October, more needs to be done. I have urged further progress on these issues, and
encouraged the Government of Sri Lanka to deliver meaningful devolution through constitutional
reform, and to establish credible mechanisms for transitional justice.</p><p>The United
Kingdom has made a long-term commitment to improving human rights in Sri Lanka, and
is dedicated to supporting the rebuilding of the country after three decades of conflict.
The British High Commission in Colombo is in regular contact with the Government of
Sri Lanka and other key stakeholders to encourage and support the implementation of
Resolution 30/1.</p>
|
|