Ban backs foreign expertise on transnational justice

While acknowledging that promoting reconciliation would primarily be a function of the Sri Lankan Government, Ban stressed that transitional justice, which was a key component of the resolution Sri Lanka adopted at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), would be best served with involvement of the international community as it would provide more credibility.

Peace building, the third pillar, would also have support from the UN and other international community stakeholders, he added.

“Transitional justice: There, I think we have to work with the international community, with the Human Rights Council having adopted a resolution last year recommending the Sri Lankan Government establish a credible transitional justice system. Credible, both nationally and internationally,” he noted in response to questions.

The Secretary General also called on the Government to deepen efforts to strengthen institutions such as the judiciary and security services and return land in the north.

“I also urge you to speed up the return of land so that the remaining communities of displaced people can return home. In parallel, the size of the military force in the North and East could be reduced, helping to build trust and reduce tensions.”

Ban also touched on the “Report of the Secretary-General’s Internal Review Panel on United Nations Actions in Sri Lanka,” which was convened by him in 2010 as a response to widespread criticism over the UN’s underperformance during the last stages of the conflict in 2009. The report found widespread bottlenecks and lack of expertise in the functioning of the UN officials in Colombo at the time and their engagement with the Sri Lankan Government.

The report had triggered “deep reflection” of the UN, revealed Ban, prompting it to become the base of subsequent efforts by the UN in war zones around the world where human rights “was returned to the core” of humanitarian operations. Ban also vehemently denied accusations of double standards in its treatment of allegations against Sri Lanka, saying the UN follows “one charter, one declaration,” for everyone.

The Secretary General met with members of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) during his brief visit to Jaffna. Hundreds of family members of people who had disappeared during the war demonstrated outside the Jaffna Library seeking UN intervention to find their missing loved ones and calling for more accountability from the Government.  (FT)