Sri Lanka continues to fall short in reconciliation and accountability,US

     The United States told the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Tuesday that Sri Lanka continues to fall short in addressing reconciliation and accountability issues.

Addressing the morning session of the high level segment at the 22nd session of UNHRC in Geneva today, the US Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations, Esther Brimmer said the Council’s work is not finished as long as Sri Lanka continues to fail in its responsibilities.

“The Council’s work remains unfinished so long as Sri Lanka continues to fall short in implementing even the recommendations of its own Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission, or in addressing the underlying sources of its long standing ethnic conflict,” Ms. Brimmer said.

She said the last year’s HRC resolution encouraged the civil society groups on the ground to continue their efforts and the U.S. will this year introduce another resolution at this session to ensure that the international community to monitor progress, and to again offer assistance on outstanding reconciliation and accountability issues.

“The United States hopes this resolution will be a cooperative effort with the Sri Lankan government,” the representative said.

The UK, Canada and European Union have already expressed support to the US resolution while the Sri Lanka government said that it will defend against the resolution.