Actions Regarding Sri Lanka

Actions Regarding Sri Lanka in 2013

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Actions Regarding Sri Lanka: On March 21, 2013, at its 22nd session, the HRC adopted a resolution on promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka that followed up on resolution 19/2 adopted in 2012. See this world legal encyclopedia (in relation to issues that took place in the year 2012) at 140 for background on resolution 19/2. Ambassador Donahoe introduced resolution 22/1 in a statement available at (link resource) geneva.usmission.gov/2013/03/21/sri-lanka-resolution-2. Ambassador Donahoe described the resolution in her introduction:

This resolution welcomes and acknowledges important progress that has been made in certain areas in Sri Lanka, but also recognizes that much remains to be done. Through this resolution, we encourage the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the constructive recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and the recommendations in the High Commissioner's report, to take additional measures to fulfill its obligations and commitments on accountability and reconciliation, and to address concerns on issues of the rule of law and human rights in Sri Lanka. The United States stands ready to assist with this vital work. In addition, this resolution highlights the constructive role of the OHCHR and special procedures mandate holders in providing technical assistance and advice on addressing these concerns, encouraging the government of Sri Lanka to cooperate with those actors. The United States is grateful for the active and constructive engagement of many delegations on this text, which reflects input from a wide range of cross-regional delegations. We are committed to working constructively with Sri Lanka and the international community to help address these challenges. To that end, together with all of our co-sponsors and supporters, the United States asks that this Council adopt this resolution.

Some Aspects of Actions Regarding Sri Lanka

The resolution was adopted on March 21, 2013 with 25 votes in favor, 13 against, and eight abstentions. Ambassador Donahoe's statement following adoption of the resolution is available at (link resource) geneva.usmission.gov/2013/03/21/srilanka/. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry also issued a press statement after the HRC vote, available at (Secretary of State website) state.gov/secretary/remarks/2013/03/206486.htm. Secretary Kerry's statement included the following:

Today's vote in the UN Human Rights Council encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to continue on the path toward lasting peace and prosperity following decades of civil war and instability. This resolution, which builds on a similar 2012 resolution, reaffirmed that Sri Lanka must take meaningful action on reconciliation and accountability in order to move forward. The United States, together with international partners, calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfill its public commitments to its own people on these longstanding issues. While some important progress has been made, there is much work still to be done. We look to the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and to reverse recent negative developments on rule of law and human rights. The United States stands ready to assist with this vital work. I look forward to continuing our engagement with the Government of Sri Lanka and strengthening our friendship with the Sri Lankan people.

Resources

Notes

1. Actions Regarding Sri Lanka in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law