UN resolution on Sri Lanka adopted by Human Rights Council

by admin
Mar 21, 2012

The UN Human Rights Council has passed a resolution calling on Sri Lanka to investigate alleged human rights violations.

The resolution, sponsored by the US and co-sponsored by 40 other nations, was passed by 24 votes to 15, with 8 abstentions.

The resolution calls on Sri Lanka to implement its own recommendations in addressing allegations of violations of international law.

The text also encourages the UN human rights office to assist Sri Lanka in implementing the steps recommended by the reolution.

“Sri Lanka has had the time and space to develop its own roadmap for lasting national reconciliation and accountability” since 2009, Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, the U.S. ambassador to the council, said before the vote. She described the resolution as “moderate and balanced” and said it aims to “help the people of Sri Lanka achieve a lasting and equitable peace.”

EU members of the Human Rights Council, Nigeria, Cameroon, India, Chile and Guatemala all voted for the resolution.

Malaysia was one of the 8 countries that abstained and China, Russia, Indonesia, Thailand, Qatar and Saudi Arabia all voted against the resolution.

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