(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHRC) Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein has called for an agreement on a comprehensive strategy, with a timeline and detailed benchmarks, to address all the transitional justice pillars identified in Resolution 30/1 on Sri Lanka.
Presenting the UNHRC report at the 34th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday, the UN High Commissioner noted promising progress regarding constitutional reform, with the Parliament establishing itself as a constitutional assembly.
Sri Lanka reaffirming its commitment to the reconciliation process and commitments articulated in the UN Resolution 30/1 cosponsored in 2015, announced that it will be co-sponsoring UN resolution 34/1 which will grant Sri Lanka two more years to implement the 30/1 proposals.
Delivering a statement at the 34th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva said the government is working closely with the High Commissioner and his Office and the government is committed to continuing constructive and meaningful engagement for the benefit of all people in Sri Lanka.
Deputy Minister Harsha de Silva also said the government remains firm in its resolve to enhance the fundamental rights of all citizens as equals in a free and democratic country, where fear and intimidation have no place.