EU, Sri Lanka disscuss UNHRC resolution implementation

Both nations exchanged views on ongoing consultations on the establishment of domestic reconciliation and accountability mechanisms

The EU has highlighted the need to address human rights issues in Sri Lanka as the two sides discussed the full-implementation of the UNHRC resolution on alleged rights abuses during the final phase of the civil war with Tamil rebels.

In a meeting of the Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights under the European Union-Sri Lanka Joint Commission here yesterday, the two sides recognised the full implementation of the UN Human Rights Council resolution of October 2015 as a priority.

Senior officials from Sri Lanka and the EU exchanged views on ongoing consultations on the establishment of domestic reconciliation and accountability mechanisms, the ministry of foreign affairs said.

Sponsored by the US, the UK and other countries, including Sri Lanka, the resolution calls upon Colombo to establish a credible judicial process, with the participation of Commonwealth and other foreign judges, defence lawyers and authorised prosecutors and investigators, to go into the alleged rights abuses.

Both the Lankan army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam are accused of atrocities in the civil war that ended in 2009.

The 28-member EU also highlighted the importance of addressing human rights issues, including sexual and gender based violence, torture and the protection of persons belonging to minority groups as well as the need to combat corruption.

The Joint Commission provides a forum for regular and structured bilateral engagement under the EU-Sri Lanka Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development of 1995.

The next Working Group meeting would be held in Brussels within the next one year.