HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL CONTINUES SPECIAL SESSION ON SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN SRI LANKA
Human Rights Council
MORNING
27 May 2009
Divisions Remain on Approach to Take in Dealing with the Issue
The Human Rights Council this morning continued its eleventh Special Session on the situation of human rights in Sri Lanka, with speakers again expressing divergent views on the approach which should be taken towards Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the bloody conflict in the north of the country, which left tens of thousands dead and wounded, hundreds of thousands displaced and engendered a humanitarian emergency.
In the debate, many speakers supported the holding of the Special Session as a priority, given the seriousness of the situation, including the alleged violations of humanitarian and human rights law, which merited a strong response by the Council. An independent investigation of the recent events would be an important prerequisite to achieve lasting peace and reconciliation. It was noted that severe human rights violations had taken place in the so-called "no fire zone", with both parties to the conflict ignoring international humanitarian law. Several speakers spoke of the situation of the media, human rights defenders and the judiciary, who were now under pressure, they said, and the democratic space was narrowing. Enforced disappearances and torture remained a problem. The Sri Lankan Government was urged to accept the establishment of an Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which would contribute to the improvement of the human rights situation and to the reconciliation process. The culture of impunity also had to be ended if the peace was to be won. While the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's violent and terrorist methods, in particular its use of human shields and its forced recruitment of civilians, including children, were roundly condemned, the Government was also held to bear responsibility for violations, including the use of excessive force in densely populated areas.
An equal number of speakers felt the convening of a Special Session had been unwarranted. It would have been better to have simply helped Sri Lanka in its reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, they said. While it was regrettable that so many lives had been lost during the conflict, these speakers declared their support for the legitimate right of the Sri Lankan Government to fight against terrorism, as well as its endeavours to establish public order in the country, following the end of military operations. Extending security to all areas of society was a very arduous task that was often impeded by outside conspiracies, a speaker noted, adding that, unfortunately, the situation on the ground often called for the taking of action that appeared harsh. It was felt that the liberation of the Tamil population from the traps of separatist terrorism aimed at protecting their honour and dignity and opened an unhindered path to lasting peace, stability, inclusive development and prosperity of the country within the democratic political structure. These countries also welcomed the expression of Sri Lanka's will for reconciliation with the Tamil population, and expressed satisfaction at marks of the Government's cooperation with the international community, including during the recent visit of the United Nations Secretary-General and the joint statement issued. It was also felt that a recovery process led by indigenous actors and ingenuity would move faster and be more sustainable. These speakers concentrated on the provision of assistance to the Government in dealing with the humanitarian catastrophe left in the wake of the conflict.
Speaking in the general debate were the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Angola, Republic of Korea, Bolivia, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Zambia, Uruguay, Algeria, Norway, Singapore, Syria, Bhutan, Nepal, Israel, Cambodia, Sweden, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Ireland, Denmark, Maldives, Turkey, Liechtenstein, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Sudan, United States and Viet Nam. The United Nations Refugee Agency and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta also took the floor.
Representatives of the following non-governmental organizations also spoke: Franciscans International, in a joint statement; Asian Legal Resource Centre; Women's International League for Peace and Freedom; Fédération Internationale des Ligues des Droits des l'Homme, in a joint statement; Liberation; Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada; International Educational Development; Pasumai Thayagam Foundation; Interfaith International; Cercle de Recherche sur les Droits et les Devoirs de la Personne Humaine; North South XXI; International Movement Against All Forces of Discrimination and Racism; and United Nations Watch.
When the Council reconvenes at 3 p.m. this afternoon it will hear remaining non-governmental organization speakers and will then take action on draft resolutions before it and conclude its eleventh Special Session on the situation of human rights in Sri Lanka.
General Debate
BOUDEWIJN J. VAN EENENNAAM (Netherlands) said that the Netherlands gave its full support to the call of the United Nations Secretary-General for unrestricted and unhindered access of all humanitarian organizations to the conflict zone. Very little humanitarian assistance had been provided to the civilians trapped in the conflict zone. Aside from a lack of access to water and medical care, the Netherlands was also deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. They deemed the situation urgent. In accordance to the Vienna Declaration on Human Rights, and given the urgency of the situation, the Netherlands felt fully justified in calling for this Special Session, although they realized others did not think it was necessary.
The Netherlands said child soldiers should be rehabilitated and reintegrated. The Government of Sri Lanka should also start a policy of rehabilitation and reintegration of the Tamil population. The Czech delegation, speaking on behalf of the European Union, had already explained what that should look like. Finally, the Netherlands hoped that the High Commissioner would be able to brief the Council at its twelfth session on progress made.
MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN (Bangladesh) congratulated the Government of Sri Lanka for concluding the longstanding hostilities in the country. The victory allowed focusing now on critical areas of relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and reconciliation. The challenges were many. As a next door neighbour and a good friend of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh trusted that the Government of Sri Lanka would be successful in overcoming those challenges. The immediate priority was to provide humanitarian relief to the affected and displaced. There was a need to bring normalcy back in the affected areas. The process of resettlement of the displaced persons should start as early as possible. Bangladesh had taken note of the Government's plan to dismantle the displacement camps and to return the displaced Tamils to their original homes before the end of the year.
On the process of reconciliation, the Government of Sri Lanka should begin a broader dialogue with all parties concerned. This dialogue had to be inclusive. Further, the recent visits of the United Nations Secretary-General and the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator were a few examples of Sri Lanka's willingness to work with the United Nations and the wider global community. The convening of a Special Session had been unwarranted.
SHREE BABOO CHEKITAN SERVANSING (Mauritius) commended the holding of the Special Session on the situation of human rights in Sri Lanka. This was an opportunity for the international community to devote time and attention to a long-standing conflict. It was the belief of Mauritius that the Council was the most appropriate international forum to assess situations of human rights in all conflict areas and to formulate recommendations accordingly, while paying due regard to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the countries concerned.
Mauritius welcomed the cessation of hostilities in Sri Lanka and the conciliatory position adopted by the Government of Sri Lanka to bring lasting peace to the country. The Government of Sri Lanka was fully aware of its ultimate responsibility to provide, as part of reconstruction efforts, protection and basic human rights to all civilians indiscriminately, including all ethnic minorities. The conflict and the aftermath of the conflict had created a humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka which was cause for deep concern to the international community, not only in terms of the number of civilian and non-combatants who lost their lives or had been displaced, but also in terms of the lack of reliable information on the full extent of the crisis.
ARCANJO MARIA DO NASCIMENTO (Angola) expressed solidarity with the people and Government of Sri Lanka for their efforts to protect sovereignty and to bring about peace and security for the country. It also welcomed the way in which Sri Lanka had engaged with the Human Rights Council. Angola was appalled by the suffering that Sri Lankan civilians had gone through following 25 years of civil strife. Millions of lives were shattered and the future of an entire nation had been hijacked. In those circumstances, human rights and fundamental freedoms had not always been respected, and, among others, children had been used in military operations. The Government had first and foremost to protect the unity of the nation and to protect them against any major threats, be they national or international. In so doing they would be discharging their responsibility to protect. Wars always gave rise to human rights violations. Collateral damage was associated with all wars everywhere. Hence, the focus of international efforts should be on the prevention of wars, rather than on dealing with their consequences.
Sri Lanka had always shown its openness to finding a solution to its internal situation. Peace would have been achieved long ago if not for one of the parties which had failed to keep the ceasefire and achieve a political solution. Today, after defeating terrorism, Sri Lanka had the best opportunity in years to be a united, peaceful and stable nation. The Government should seize this time to reconcile and unite the nation. There had to be reconciliation and rehabilitation of the former combatants. Angola was encouraged by the Government's pledge to resettle most of the displaced within 180 days within internationally accepted norms and in accordance with UNHCR guidelines. Also welcome was the initiative to begin a dialogue with all parties to foster national reconciliation.
LEE SUNG-JOO (Republic of Korea) welcomed the end of the 26-year-long hostilities in the north of Sri Lanka. The Tamil Tigers had undermined their own legitimacy through acts of terrorism and their use of civilians as human shields. During the last phase of the conflict, the Republic of Korea's major concern had been the tremendous loss of lives and the hardship that was endured by civilians trapped in the combat zone. While the loss of lives had now appeared to have ended, there remained some outstanding issues related to internally displaced persons, reconciliation and the accountability process to address violations of humanitarian and human rights law. The Republic of Korea hoped that this Special Session would help to explore constructive avenues to deal with these challenges.
The Republic of Korea also hoped that the Government would continue to provide adequate access to humanitarian agencies and take immediate steps to improve conditions in internally displaced persons camps.
ANGELICA NAVARRO LLANOS (Bolivia) supported the statement made by Cuba on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Bolivia did not co-sponsor the request for this Special Session because of the way the country concerned was being dealt with. It did recognize the sincere concern of some of the countries who supported the Special Session and their reasons for wanting to hold the session, but it could not support the neo-colonist attitudes of some other States. Bolivia was a pacifist State, which aimed to help its people live in peace. It was regrettable that so many lives had been lost during the conflict in Sri Lanka, but Bolivia also recognized the enormous efforts taken by the Government of Sri Lanka as a sovereign State to protect its territories while fulfilling its obligations as a State. The Government of Sri Lanka should ensure the eradication all forms of discrimination and work in an inclusive fashion in its reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation process.
Bolivia would have preferred the dialogue taking place in the Special Session to have been carried out in the eleventh regular session of the Human Rights Council, which was scheduled to start next week, and that the costs incurred for this Special Session would have been better used to feed the hungry in Sri Lanka. The international community should have responded to the request by its Member States by assisting and supporting the coordination of aid to Sri Lanka in its time of need.
IFEANYI NWOSU (Nigeria) said Nigeria supported the statements by Egypt on behalf of the African Group, by Cuba on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Nigeria was deeply happy that the 25 years of brutal and protracted conflict that had caused grave human and material losses in Sri Lanka had come to an end. Nigeria would like to support a post conflict reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction process in Sri Lanka to ensure safety and security and to promote and protect all human rights for its people.
With the cessation of the hostilities, Nigeria called on the Government of Sri Lanka to deal with the enormous, complex and emerging challenges facing its people and to urgently address the perilous state of the internally displaced persons and their reintegration. Great care should be taken on the major concerns on child soldiers. The rights of children, women and other vulnerable people had to be protected and their access to food, medicines and other basic essentials of life guaranteed. It was obvious that the Government could not cope with those responsibilities alone. Nigeria therefore called on the international community to support the efforts of the Sri Lankan Government in providing basic infrastructure and ensuring socio-economic and political development as well as mine clearing to enable an early return to normalcy in Sri Lanka.
HABIB MIKAYILLI (Azerbaijan) expressed satisfaction with the end of the military operations in Sri Lanka. The population had suffered too much in the course of the last three decades from the evils of terrorism and aggressive separatism. Azerbaijan itself suffered from these deplorable phenomena and therefore always supported the efforts of all concerned countries to fight terrorism, separatism and to preserve their territorial integrity. Terrorism as a tactic in struggle should be condemned wherever it occurred and by whomever it was committed.
Effective reconciliation steps would allow the Government to complement the gains achieved on the battlefield. The cessation of hostilities provided a good opportunity for the Tamil political forces to be actively engaged in the process. The recent decision of the Government to hold local elections in the newly liberated areas was welcomed. Cooperation with the international community and United Nations agencies was of paramount importance. Azerbaijan gave its full support to the post-conflict efforts of the Government that were aimed at effectively protecting all human rights.
ENCYLA T. SINJELA (Zambia) said the recent fighting in Sri Lanka had left thousands of people displaced and in need of shelter with many more among them requiring medical attention. Zambia was concerned about this situation and therefore called upon the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure that humanitarian agencies were given access to all areas in order to reach the affected population as soon as possible in order to attend to their needs. The people of Sri Lanka, especially the displaced, should be given all the assistance required to restart their lives and enjoy the peace. Zambia also called upon the Government of Sri Lanka to come up with a quick strategic plan on how to bring life back to normal for all the displaced and see international assistance. The international community would not fail to do its part in this regard.
Now the Government of Sri Lanka was in control of the whole country, it must ensure that all the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Sri Lankan people were promoted and protected. It was also their hope that the Sri Lankan Government would now focus on rebuilding and developing the country. The commitment made by the President of Sri Lanka to find a political solution to the situation in the country, and the pronouncement by the Tamil Tigers that they would now fight for their rights through political means, was welcomed.
GABRIEL WINTER KABRAN (Uruguay) said that Uruguay had closely followed with great concern the aggravation of the armed conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). It was essential that they clearly separated two aspects: the Tamil people and the armed Tamil Tigers group. Uruguay deplored this long war, with its human rights and international humanitarian law abuses, and it particularly and clearly condemned the methods of the LTTE, which had clearly been terrorist, as they included indiscriminate attacks against the civilian population. Uruguay had agreed to the convening of a Special Session because it was the Council's right to discuss and adopt action, or not adopt action, on any human rights issues and this was a human rights issue.
Now that the weapons had fallen silent and the LTTE had been defeated, it was time for the Government to put its efforts into reconstruction and reconciliation with the Tamil people. The Sri Lanka Government should allow, on equal footing and without discrimination, for all of its minorities that formed part of the nation to participate. Also, in the peace process, the Government should provide the necessary rehabilitation and reintegration of child soldiers, material reconstruction of wide areas, and facilitate the return of vast numbers of displaced people, as well as cooperate with the United Nations and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
IDRISS JAZAIRY (Algeria) said Algeria hoped that the Human Rights Council would be similarly moved by conflicts that affected the civilian population in other regions of Asia and Middle East. Algeria referred to regions where, according to the United States Army, drones were hitting their targets with a 2 per cent success rate and a 98 per cent rate of collateral damage in terms of civilian loss, or also in the regions where white phosphorous bombs were being heavily used against civilian populations. It was regrettable that the work of the Council was still distorted by double standards.
Algeria welcomed the fact that the Sri Lankan Government had successfully defeated a terrorist movement, which had invented suicide attacks, and of which Al Qaida had only been a pale imitation. Algeria invited the international community to provide urgent aid to Sri Lanka for reconstruction and to increase funding, especially aid for development.
BEATE STIRO (Norway) welcomed the decision to convene this Special Session on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. Ever since the direct peace talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in 2006, Norway had urged both parties to return to the negotiation table. However, it became evident that both the LTTE and the Government decided that their chosen path would be war. To strengthen the reconciliation process, the protection of human rights was a vital element. Norway was deeply concerned about the current human rights situation in Sri Lanka.
More than 270,000 people had fled their homes and were entirely dependent on emergency aid and medical treatment. Norway called upon the Sri Lankan Government to ensure the United Nations, International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations had full and unhindered humanitarian access to the affected population. The International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations must also be granted full access to the screening and registration processes of the internally displaced persons. Norway welcomed the Sri Lankan Government's assurances that the internally displaced civilians would be resettled within 180 days. Furthermore, the Government of Sri Lanka was urged to take measures to improve the situation for media freedom in Sri Lanka.
TAN YORK CHOR (Singapore) observed that, now that the war was over, national reconciliation was the only way to ensure lasting long-term peace in Sri Lanka. In that regard, Singapore welcomed President Mahinda Rajapaksa's address to the Sri Lankan Parliament on 19 May, in which he had noted that a solution to the conflict should be acceptable to all communities and he had guaranteed the protection of all Tamil-speaking people and that all people of Sri Lanka should live with equal rights. That was truly the fundamental basis for any national reconciliation effort.
The task ahead was daunting, and the scale of the humanitarian crisis would require the full support of the international community. In recognition of the urgent humanitarian situation, Singapore had decided to co-sponsor draft resolution L.1/Rev.1, and to add Singapore's support to its call for action by the United Nations and the international community.
FAYSAL KHABBAZ HAMOUI (Syria) congratulated Sri Lanka on the end of hostilities. The country could now go back to peace and stability. They were however surprised that this Special Session was being held now; there was no justification for that as it was clearly an interference in the internal affairs of a country. It was also strange that this Special Session had been requested by the very same who normally turned a blind eye to the violations committed by the forces of Israeli occupation in the Occupied Arab Territories. Syria further highlighted the appeal made by the Secretary-General to donors in order to offer assistance to this developing country.
YESHEY DORJI (Bhutan) said the work of the Human Rights Council was supposed to be based on cooperation and dialogue, translating into a spirit of consultation and constructive engagement. Unfortunately, the very question of convening the eleventh Special Session of the Council on Sri Lanka had, since the beginning, been shrouded in ambiguity. The delegation of Bhutan was not convinced of the appropriateness of holding this Special Session when Members were only days away from the Council's eleventh regular session.
Sri Lanka had been faced with a ruthless terrorist insurgency for the past three decades, exacting a heavy toll on life and property, and instilling a sense of fear and uncertainty in the daily lives of all Sri Lankan people. With the end of the conflict, the challenges faced by Sri Lanka were of relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and reconciliation. Bhutan welcomed the statement issued by the Sri Lankan Government yesterday at the opening of the Special Session, which reaffirmed their firm commitment to an inclusive national solution and to the promotion and protection of all human rights to all. The Government also outlined a 180 day plan to resettle internally displaced persons, and in this regard, was cooperating with the Government of India, which was welcomed.
DINESH BHATTARAI (Nepal) welcomed the defeat of the terrorism of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. That was a victory of pluralism, unity and integrity of Sri Lanka. Also welcomed was the statement of the President of Sri Lanka before the national Parliament on 19 May, which amply demonstrated the commitment of Sri Lanka to a political solution and national reconciliation. The liberation of the Tamil population from the traps of separatist terrorism aimed at protecting their honour and dignity and opened an unhindered path to lasting peace, stability, inclusive development and prosperity of the country within the democratic political structure.
Nepal further welcomed the just-concluded visit of the United Nations Secretary-General to the country at the invitation of the Government immediately after the cessation of hostilities. The joint statement issued following the visit signalled Sri Lanka's commitment to work together in the post conflict situation. Sri Lanka's constructive engagement with a series of other visits, including the visits of the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and the Special Rapporteur on internally displaced persons, had to be appreciated. Here, it was noted that the post conflict situation was a sensitive period with multiple challenges. A recovery process led by indigenous actors and ingenuity moved faster and became sustainable. It was also noted that Sri Lanka had maintained its steadfast commitment to stick to the democratic path and to honour human rights and fundamental freedoms of its people despite several challenges. Nepal wished the Government and people of Sri Lanka all success in building a peaceful, stable, prosperous and united Sri Lanka on its democratic foundations.
AHARON LESHNO-YAAR (Israel) noted Israel's close cooperation and longstanding relations with the Government of Sri Lanka. Both countries had worked closely together on a variety of issues. The conflict in the country had been long-lasting. There had been tens of thousands of civilian casualties. They were here today, not to condemn the Government of Sri Lanka, but rather, in the spirit of transparency and international dialogue, to constructively and effectively address a human rights situation of serious concern. The Security Council itself had strongly condemned the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam for its acts of terrorism and use of human shields. But they also had to express deep concern at the alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. In this regard, Israel trusted that the Sri Lankan Government would conduct a fair and independent investigation into alleged violations committed by both parties during the conflict.
Israel had also closely followed the sincere efforts of the European Union and other democratic partners in convening this Special Session. It had been a difficult process, sometimes seemingly hopeless. Those genuine attempts had been encountered by destructive ones of those who sought to manipulate and politicize the Council's agenda.
SUN SUON (Cambodia) said that as a country that had its own experiences of conflicts, Cambodia fully understood the situation and shared the concern and regrets expressed by the international community at the proportion of civilian casualties and human sufferings over the decades of the conflict in Sri Lanka. The end of the conflict was welcomed and the Government of Sri Lanka was congratulated for its efforts to achieve peace after decades of conflict. The country's priority now was to address the necessary assistance as a result of this humanitarian crisis, in order to ensure relief and rehabilitation of people affected by the conflict. Therefore, the Sri Lankan Government was commended for the efforts and steps taken thus far to address the urgent needs and challenges related to relief, rehabilitation, resettlement, applying the rule of law, and especially the reintegration of internally displaced persons.
The Sri Lankan Government was praised for the strong commitment shown toward the promotion and protection of human rights in keeping with its international obligations, including its cooperation with the Human Rights Council through the update and briefing of the situation. Cambodia called on the international community to cooperate with Sri Lanka by providing all relevant assistance for the reconstruction of its economic and social infrastructure in this post conflict period.
HANS DAHLGREN (Sweden) noted that, with the end of fighting came the opportunity for reconciliation and recovery. But winning the peace would take significant efforts. Real measures to address the human rights and humanitarian situation had to be taken now. Winning the peace would involve urgently proceeding towards an inclusive political solution, based on respect for human rights, equality and the rule of law. Urgent measures had to be taken to ensure the survival and well-being of civilians still left in the former conflict areas. Unhindered and safe access had to be ensured for humanitarian actors to internally displaced persons, who had been held in closed camps, at screening points or who remained in the former conflict zone. Full respect of humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law had to be ensured, including in the management of the camps for internally displaced people. Furthermore, freedom of movement, family reunification and the early and safe returns of the displaced had to be guaranteed.
Winning the peace would also require ending the culture of impunity. The conflict had caused, and its aftermath was still causing, enormous human suffering. Thousands of innocent lives had been lost, and many more had been wounded. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's violent and terrorist methods, in particular its use of human shields and its forced recruitment of civilians, including children, had to be condemned in the strongest terms. But the Government of Sri Lanka also bore responsibility. That was the basis of the European Union's position in calling for this Special Session: the seriousness of the situation, including the alleged violations of humanitarian and human rights law, should merit a strong response by the Council. Investigating such allegations was a key principle of international law. Finally, Sweden urged the Government to ensure human rights defenders and journalists who had tried to expose abuses were not harassed or intimidated.
CHRISTIAN STROHAL (Austria) said that during the last days they had witnessed the end of fighting in Sri Lanka's vicious war, which had ravaged the country for decades. Austria welcomed the fact that the Government of Sri Lanka had regained control over its territory and the end of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a military force. Many challenges regarding the humanitarian and human rights situation as well as the future political developments in Sri Lanka persisted. Currently there were hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons in the country; international aid and humanitarian assistance was urgently needed.
Austria was particularly concerned about reports of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law by the LTTE as well as by government forces in the course of the fighting. Atrocities like the use of civilians as human shields, the recruitment of children, and the indiscriminate use of force in an area densely populated with civilians and designated as a "no fire zone" had shocked them. An independent investigation of the recent events would be an important prerequisite to achieve lasting peace and reconciliation. Austria also welcomed the commitment expressed by the President of Sri Lanka to find lasting political solution that addressed the rights of all minorities in the country. The Human Rights Council had the responsibility to follow the development in the country and to support the efforts of the Government to address the current human rights challenges.
CAROLINE MILLAR (Australia) welcomed this Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the situation in Sri Lanka. Australia was relieved that the fighting was over. The civilian toll of the conflict had been and remained a matter of serious concern. Australia echoed the hope of the President of the Council that this Special Session may contribute towards the cause of lasting peace in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Government needed to start the process of political reform. For Sri Lanka to achieve a lasting settlement and an enduring peace, political reform and rapprochement between all parties and communities was clearly required. For peace to flourish, reconciliation must also begin. Allegations of human rights abuses – including those arising from recent fighting – needed to be dealt with.
Australia had consistently stated that the protection of civilians should be the absolute priority, and as such the safety and welfare of at least 300,000 displaced persons remained of deep concern. The Sri Lankan Government was called upon to ensure that internally displaced persons camps were administered in line with international standards, and to ensure that international observers, particularly the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Children's Fund personnel, had ready access to the internally displaced persons camps. Further, of concern were the reports of intimidation of media workers in Sri Lanka, extending to violent attacks and murder in some cases.
WENDY HINTON (New Zealand) expressed New Zealand's appreciation to the co-sponsors of the Special Session which had given the international community an opportunity to discuss the situation in Sri Lanka. The long-running conflict had cost the lives of many Sri Lankans, had divided the nation, and had led to a humanitarian crisis, particularly for those who had been trapped in the conflict zone.
While the fighting now appeared to be over, the New Zealand Government remained concerned about the plight of internally displaced persons who had fled the conflict. New Zealand also recognized the loss of life and suffering endured by civilians in northern Sri Lanka in recent months and joined other countries in urging the Government of Sri Lanka to allow humanitarian access to the area. It called on the Government to cooperate with international humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organizations to ensure that all those affected by the conflict received the assistance they urgently needed.
SIHASAK PHUANGKETKEOW (Thailand) said that, as all were aware, the convening of this Special Session had generated considerable debate. Serious reservations had been expressed by a number of delegations and the delegation of Thailand shared many of the concerns. In spite of their different views, one thing they had in common was that they could not afford to allow this session to end up in a way that created more divisiveness. All had to endeavour to make it constructive. In order for this session to be relevant, they had to address the way forward. They had to encourage all stakeholders to step up their efforts to meet the immediate and long-term needs of relief, resettlement and reconciliation. No one should doubt the legitimate right of the Government of Sri Lanka to fight against terrorism within its national borders. At the same time the Government had to demonstrate that combating terrorism and promoting and protecting human rights went hand-in-hand and were mutually reinforcing.
Thailand had rendered emergency financial assistance to Sri Lanka to help it alleviate the plight of its people. They also reaffirmed their continued commitment to provide technical assistance to Sri Lanka in its reconstruction and rehabilitation phases. With true spirit of cooperation and constructive engagement among all parties, the process of national recovery, renewal and reconciliation would gain momentum and create a conducive environment for the full and effective enjoyment of human rights in the country.
DAITHI O CEALLAIGH (Ireland) welcomed the holding of this Special Session on Sri Lanka to address the serious human rights situation there. Ireland fully condemned the attacks that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam launched on the civilian population and its practice of using civilians as human shields. Ireland was deeply troubled by reports of serious breaches of international human rights and humanitarian law by both sides in the course of the conflict. Ireland along with European Union partners was firmly of the view that these must now be subject to an independent inquiry. Now that the fighting was over, the immediate priority of the international community must be to ensure the safety and welfare of all displaced civilians, especially those who had been injured and traumatised during the later stages of the conflict.
The Government of Sri Lanka was now expected to fulfil its obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law to protect all people under its jurisdiction. Camps in which displaced people were being assisted should be transferred from army to civilian control, entry to and departure from them should be strictly voluntary, and the camps must be temporary. It was essential that humanitarian agencies and independent observers were given full access to these areas and to the people in them. Strict compliance with the rule of law and international human rights and humanitarian law must be ensured, and there must be full accountability for any violations thereto. It was important for the international community to be involved in the peace process. International experience, expertise and support would be invaluable in terms of guiding the process, keeping it on track and serving as an independent facilitator.
ARNOLD SKIBSTED (Denmark) said Denmark fully endorsed the statement by the Czech Republic on behalf of the European Union. Denmark welcomed the convening of this Special Session on the urgent and serious human rights and humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka. It was crucial for the legitimacy of the Council to be able to respond to urgent human rights violations around the world. Therefore, organizing this session had been a priority for Denmark. The Danish Government was deeply concerned about the plight of the thousands of civilians who had fallen victims to the long-standing armed conflict in the country. As an expression of that deep concern he had personally visited Sri Lanka earlier this month to make a firsthand assessment of the human rights situation – a visit that had confirmed that the last half year's escalation of the armed conflict had further deteriorated the already critical human rights situation.
Throughout the country, the media, human rights defenders and the judiciary were now under pressure and the democratic space was narrowing. Enforced disappearances and torture remained a problem. A humanitarian catastrophe, including severe human rights violations had taken place in the so-called "no fire zone", which had turned into the worst possible combat zone, where both parties to the conflict were ignoring international humanitarian law. The civilian casualties and the uncertainty of their fate was the main reason for having this session today. Among others, Denmark urged the Government of Sri Lanka to accept the establishment of an Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which would contribute to the improvement of the human rights situation and to the reconciliation process.
MARIE-THERESE PICTET-ALTHANN, of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, said that prior to the recent visit of the United Nations Secretary-General to Sri Lanka, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta's worldwide relief agency "Malteser International" had joined other aid agencies in addressing an appeal to the Sri Lankan Government to secure access to the camps so as to enable them to proved urgently needed services to thousands of internally displaced persons. Malteser International had been providing assistance in Sri Lanka since 2005. In addition to its rehabilitation and reconstruction work they had also assisted displaced persons in camps and had supported the construction of temporary houses in their home areas. For the international humanitarian community to succeed in its mission to save lives and restore the human dignity of those who had lost family members, it needed unrestricted and full access to those who were almost totally reliant on aid.
SHAZRA ABDUL SATTAR (Maldives) said the Government of Maldives had always been concerned about terrorism in Sri Lanka and the suffering this had imposed on all its communities for the past 25 years. While the matter was largely an internal matter for the Government of Sri Lanka, terrorism in Sri Lanka had affected the Maldives directly and indirectly as well. Therefore, the Maldives was happy that the Government of Sri Lanka had achieved a significant victory in combating terrorism in Sri Lanka and liberating all communities in the country from the scourge of terrorism.
It was hoped that the victory for the Government of Sri Lanka over terrorism would usher a new era of peace, progress and ethnic harmony. The Maldives strongly supported the efforts taken to build a revitalized country premised on the full enjoyment of human rights for all Sri Lankan people. Noteworthy was the Government of Sri Lanka's commitment to returning displaced persons to their homes as soon as possible, and to pursue the process of national reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction according to international best practice. It was hoped that international stakeholders would contribute to these endeavours.
ASLIGUL UGDUL (Turkey) condemned the acts of the terrorist organization the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam that had caused the death of so many Sri Lankan citizens. Turkey reiterated its support for the legitimate right of the Sri Lankan Government to fight against terrorism, as well as its endeavours to establish public order in the country, following the end of military operations.
Turkey also shared the concerns regarding the suffering of civilians. The Sri Lankan Government and the international community should swiftly address the urgent needs of the civilians who had suffered from the conflict. To that end, the Common Humanitarian Action Plan initiated jointly by the Sri Lankan Government and the United Nations would serve the needs of thousands who sought their help. Following the successful conclusion of the military operation, it was now time to heal the wounds and to ensure a better future for the entire people of Sri Lanka. Turkey was confident that the Sri Lankan Government would create the necessary political atmosphere within the parameters of democracy, rule of law, tolerance and respect for human rights.
NORBERT FRICK (Liechtenstein) said that Liechtenstein welcomed the convening of this Special Session as the current situation fell squarely within the mandate of the Council. They were also grateful for the leadership, during the hostilities, by senior United Nations officials, in particular the Emergency Relief Coordinator and the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Liechtenstein also shared the hope that the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam who had victimized persons belonging to all ethnic communities for long years would indeed lead to a long-term peaceful political solution. Liechtenstein had followed the developments in the northern parts of the country with great concern, especially reports on serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law, including the recruitment of child soldiers, the indiscriminate use of force in densely populated areas and the disrespect for international humanitarian law. It was essential that the Government undertook all necessary judicial effort to hold perpetrators of serious violations accountable.
While the fighting had come to an end, the humanitarian situation continued to be alarming and measures to improve the situation were needed immediately. Humanitarian agencies had to be given immediate and full access to camps of internally displaced persons and the wounded that remained in the conflict area. This Special Session should result in a clear statement that focused on the humanitarian dimension, the situation and rights of internally displaced persons and of child soldiers and that also addressed the need for accountability.
GERMAN MUNDARAIN HERNANDEZ (Venezuela) fully supported the statement made by Cuba on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. The armed conflict which for so long had deprived and caused suffering for the Sri Lankan people had come to an end. Venezuela supported draft resolution of L1 as proposed by Sri Lanka in this Special Session. Now it was important to begin the process of reconciliation, to come up with a political solution, reconstruction of the country, the safeguarding of reintegration within its territories and transition into peace.
With such a historic event Sri Lanka had closed the doors to armed conflict and opened the doors to peace and restoration. Venezuela shared the pain of the victims as a result of this war, and was sure that they were hard workers and would be able to overcome this stage in their history. Sri Lanka's constructive cooperation during the Universal Periodic Review further illustrated the Government's commitment to reconstruction, rehabilitation, national reconciliation and lasting peace in the country. The international community needed to provide assistance to guarantee the social and economic rights of the people of Sri Lanka. Venezuela urged all Member States to support draft resolution L1 as proposed by Sri Lanka.
LAURA THOMPSON CHACON (Costa Rica) said that, in view of the grave situation Sri Lanka had experienced in the past few months and deeply concerned by the serious humanitarian impact of those events on the civilian population, Costa Rica, as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, had issued an urgent call to all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and to collaborate with the United Nations in the delivery of humanitarian assistance. For that reason, Costa Rica welcomed the commitment of the Sri Lankan authorities to fulfil their international human rights obligations as expressed during the recent visit by the United Nations Secretary-General.
The protection of civilians was essential and had to be respected by all parties. Costa Rica therefore welcomed the ceasefire so that there could be immediate and unconditional access for humanitarian assistance, including access to internally displaced persons' camps. The humanitarian necessities of internally displaced persons required urgent measures to guarantee their human rights and to ensure their speedy and safe return, as well as to prepare the way for a process of stable and durable return and family reunification.
CHOE MYONG NAM (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) said that following the conclusion of a longstanding internal conflict, Sri Lanka had entered a new phase of relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and reconciliation throughout the country. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea welcomed a series of measures and efforts that were made by the Government of Sri Lanka to address the humanitarian situation including by urgently responding to the needs of internally displaced persons in close cooperation with the international community. All challenges facing the country had to be resolved in the best interest of its people and Sri Lanka's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.
Any attempts to interfere with the internal affairs and the imposing of solutions should be rejected and the international community should cooperate with the Government of Sri Lanka. Further, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was gravely concerned over the politicization, selectivity and double standards that were practiced by some by singling out Sri Lanka for purposes other than genuine human rights, while ignoring gross human rights violations including civilian killings as a result of bloody wars that were carried out by powerful countries elsewhere in the world.
HAMID BAEIDI NEJAD (Iran) fully associated itself with the statements made by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and Cuba on behalf of Non-Aligned Movement. Iran welcomed the Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights of Sri Lanka for his presence which was a sign of constructive engagement with the Council. Iran did not support the holding of the Special Session for obvious reasons. Resorting to the old habits of the past and politicizing the work of the Council would not serve the purpose and principles on which the Human Rights Council was based upon.
Iran, while reiterating the humanitarian nature of this particular situation, as well as the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Sri Lanka, was of the view that the international community, at this crucial juncture, should be focused on sensitizing and mobilizing the provision of necessary assistance to ensure relief and rehabilitation of the persons affected by the conflict, including internally displaced persons, as well as the reconstruction of the country's economy and infrastructure. Sri Lanka faced many challenges in terms of relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and reconciliation, the country was in dire need for help and support by the international community and the United Nations. Iran welcomed the assurances made by the President of Sri Lanka that a national solution acceptable to all sections of people would be evolved in the post conflict situation aimed at bringing about lasting peace and development in Sri Lanka.
RAHMA SALIH ELOBIED (Sudan) said Sudan supported the statements made by Egypt on behalf of the African Group, by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and by Cuba on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Extending security to all areas of society was a very arduous task that was often impeded by outside conspiracies. Unfortunately, the situation on the ground often called for the taking of action that appeared harsh. However, the Government of Sri Lanka had spared no effort to seek reconciliation and peace. It was also a sovereign country that had spared no effort to ensure its unity and the safety of its citizens. Combating terrorism was an indivisible objective. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam had been recognized as a terrorist organization by many States, as borne out by their indiscriminate attacks on civilians. Sudan welcomed the declaration by the President of Sri Lanka that he would now seek to ensure recovery and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans.
Sudan was not convinced that they should have held this Special Session. It would have been better to have simply helped Sri Lanka in its reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. Moreover, parties that had endorsed the convening of this session had turned a blind eye to the human rights violations going on in other parts of the world. That was impeding the functioning of the Council with politicization and double standards.
MARK C. STORELLA (United States), said that the United States welcomed the end of fighting in the north of Sri Lanka. This was an important moment for the Sri Lankan nation. The United States hoped that the Council would be able to provide the Government of Sri Lanka with some useful ideas to build lasting peace based on national reconciliation and full respect of human rights. While they had heard many differing views during this session, they believed that the basis existed for consensus on a group of human rights and humanitarian priorities, many of which had already been embraced by the Sri Lankan Government and which could be carried forward with the assistance of the international community.
The United States strongly urged the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure immediate, full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to all persons in need and to work hand in hand with the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and non-governmental organizations. They also appreciated the strong commitment made by Sri Lanka to the promotion and protection of human rights in keeping with international human rights standards and the country's international obligations. To secure peace, they also encouraged the Government to make all possible efforts to combat discrimination against persons belonging to ethnic minorities.
VU DUNG (Viet Nam) associated itself with the statement made by Cuba on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Viet Nam supported the efforts made by the Government of Sri Lanka in restoring territorial integrity, national stability and in combating terrorism. Proceeding from the principles of respect of national sovereignty and non-interference into internal affairs of the sovereign State, it held the opinion that post-conflict issues should be decided by the people of Sri Lanka with the solidarity and assistance of the international community. Viet Nam noted with interest the close cooperation initiated by the Government of Sri Lanka with the international community in its long-term struggle against terrorism and the protection of its territorial integrity as well as the provision of the humanitarian assistance to the affected people.
Viet Nam called upon the international community to cooperate with and assist Sri Lanka in its reconstruction efforts. Viet Nam welcomed the recent visit to Sri Lanka of the United Nations Secretary-General at the invitation of the President of Sri Lanka, as well as visits by the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator and the Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons. The Government of Viet Nam had contributed a modest urgent contribution to Sri Lanka to assist the internally displaced persons. As a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country and already experienced from long wars, Viet Nam was ready to share its good practices and experience in national reconciliation and reconstruction with Sri Lanka.
KAROLINA LINDHOLM BILLING, of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said that, between January and May 2009, UNHCR had assisted the Government of Sri Lanka in its efforts to receive some 300,000 internally displaced persons and accommodate them in 41 emergency sites in Vavuniya, Jaffna, Trincomalee and Mannar. The majority of the internally displaced persons had arrived in Vavuniya in the weeks immediately before the cessation of the military conflict and the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on 18 May. UNHCR took note of the Government efforts to ensure appropriate shelter allocation, access to food and other assistance for those internally displaced persons, but was concerned about the impact of the overcrowding in the sites for the displaced on those basic services, particularly for persons with specific needs. UNHCR therefore supported government efforts to decongest the sites by reducing the population accommodated at each site to internationally recommended levels.
UNHCR urged the Government to take immediate steps to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access to the internally displaced persons by the United Nations, international organizations and non-governmental organizations, and called upon it to maintain the civilian nature of the sites. UNHCR further called on the Government to develop a transparent and time-bound screening and separation policy for former combatants to ensure that they were separated from the rest of the internally displaced population and placed in separate facilities for rehabilitation. UNHCR welcomed the Government's decision to facilitate the return of a high percentage of the displaced before the end of 2009, and stood ready to assist. It was convinced that the early return of the displaced to their homes and swift reconstruction and recovery efforts would contribute to the effective reconciliation and speedy rebuilding of the lives of those who had suffered from the conflict.
JULIE DE RIVERO, of Human Rights Watch, said that the end of the devastating war in Sri Lanka had come at a terrible cost in civilian lives and suffering. There were many credible reports of violations of the laws of war by both the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lankan Government during the recent fighting. This included the use of civilians as human shields and child soldiers and Sri Lankan forces' indiscriminate shelling of densely populated areas, including hospitals. Impunity for rights abuses remained a widespread problem in Sri Lanka. The Council should call for the creation of an impartial international commission of inquiry to investigate and make recommendations for accountability of all sides for violations of human rights. Some 300,000 civilians who had been displaced by the fighting remained intensely vulnerable. The Government had also taken into custody an unknown number of displaced people with alleged LTTE ties. The Council had to call on the Government to put an end to all forms of harassment, intimidation and threats against human rights defenders and journalists exposing past or present abuses
SUNANDA DESHAPRIYA, of Franciscans International, in a joint statement with Pax Romana and Dominicans for Justice and Peace, said the fighting between the Sri Lankan armed forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam had led to the death of more than 6,400 civilians, and had left 13,000 wounded and more than 230,000 displaced since January 2009. These were only estimates, as no independent monitor – including humanitarian organizations, journalists and human rights defenders – had been allowed into the conflict affected areas. Internally displaced persons affected by the conflict continued to suffer; the infringement of their right to food, water, health and freedom of movement would continue to be a major problem due to the dire conditions inside Government camps. In addition, the condition of those working for human rights inside and outside the conflict zone served as a good example of why this Council must act strongly today.
MICHAEL ANTHONY, of the Asian Legal Resource Centre, strongly condemned the grave crimes committed by the brutal Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam terrorist organization, including terror attacks on civilians, using civilians as human shields, the killing of large numbers of persons after capture and the forced recruitment and use of child soldiers. They were, however, gravely concerned that the Council would make an historic blunder by producing an outcome that failed to even acknowledge, let alone condemn, the gross violations of international humanitarian law and human rights allegedly committed by the Government of Sri Lanka. Would the Council deny the validity of the Geneva Conventions and international human rights instruments by failing to produce a proportionate and relevant outcome of this session? The Government continued to show disdain and unwillingness to meaningfully address violations, evidenced by the lack of credible investigations and prosecutions concerning the many cases of torture, disappearances and other grave abuses, giving rise to obvious concerns about continuing impunity. The Council had to ensure that independent, credible and effective monitoring, investigations and prosecutions took place.
ILSE WERMINLE, of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, welcomed this Special Session. With the end of the upsurge of the armed conflict, the immediate task of providing humanitarian assistance for the victims of the war was immense. The end of the armed conflict opened the road to constructing peace in the country. Experience had taught them that there had to be an understanding and recognition of the root causes of the conflict. The Sri Lankan Government should install truth and reconciliations commissions to this end. It was also needed to ensure that all citizens had fair and equal rights to participate in the democratic process.
CARLOS GARCIA, of International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (FIDH), in a joint statement with World Organization against Torture, called upon the Human Rights Council to urge the Sri Lankan authorities to guarantee in all circumstances the physical and psychological integrity of all Sri Lankan human rights defenders; order an immediate, thorough, effective and impartial investigation into all acts of reprisals against human rights defenders, in order to identify all those responsible, bring them before a civil competent and impartial tribunal and apply to them the penal sanctions provided for by law; remove restrictions on access to war areas to human rights defenders and aid workers, as a matter of extreme urgency; put an end to all acts of harassment against all human rights defenders in Sri Lanka; and to revoke the Prevention of Terrorism Act and Emergency Regulations, among others.
ARJUNAN ETHIRVEERASINGAM, of Liberation, said that this Special Session had arrived too late for the victims. How could one explain the silence of the Council in the light of the atrocities committed in Sri Lanka? Credible sources had reported that there had been more than 13,000 deaths these past months and the final days of the battle had been described as a "bloodbath". More than 300,000 displaced persons, of which approximately 80,000 were children, were in dire need of urgent humanitarian assistance and protection from the ongoing abuses being committed in camps controlled by the Government of Sri Lanka. The Special Session had arrived too late, but it could still be useful, on a single condition: that it allowed the Human Rights Council to set up an International Commission of Inquiry with a mandate to investigate allegations of violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law and to make recommendations on ways and means to address the continuing impunity in Sri Lanka.
SATHIYASANGARY ANANDASANGAREE, of Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada, noted that the struggle for equality for Tamils in Sri Lanka had not started in 1983, nor ended in 2009, but rather it was one that had commenced well before independence and, sadly, was unlikely to be resolved any time soon. Over a span of three decades, the struggle for equality for Tamils in Sri Lanka had claimed well over 100,000 lives, and displaced approximately 1 million people within Sri Lanka and over 1 million around the world. In the past several weeks alone, it was estimated that tens of thousands had died, 30,000 had been maimed, and that over 300,000 had been internally displaced. Having won the war, however, Sri Lanka was far from winning the peace. Sri Lanka had embarked on a dangerous path towards the destruction of its democratic tenets, namely the freedom of the press, free movement, free speech, due process and, most importantly, rule of law – all in the name of the war against terror. Anyone criticizing the Government was a terrorist, and anyone courageous enough to challenge State authority was labelled a traitor. That was definitely not the foundation upon which a State could achieve peace.
SOOSAIPILLAI DAVID, of International Educational Development, said that the Tamil civilians were currently facing conditions of life that appeared to be designed to bring about their destruction, at least in part. This was after killing nearly 100,000 of them. It was also after having driven more than a third of them out of the country. Justice had failed. Tamils were persecuted in concentration camps. Young men and women were disappearing daily from these torture chambers. Urgent steps should be taken to save the dying Tamils.
V. SANTHAKUMAR, of Pasumal Thaayagam Foundation, said they were deeply concerned about the conditions and treatment of Tamils in Sri Lanka. Verification of war crimes was hindered as human rights defenders had been denied access to the areas affected. In the internally displaced persons camps people had been reportedly disappearing. Indiscriminate shelling of hospitals and hindered access to health care were violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The Human Rights Council was urged to take note of the extremely precarious situation and to intervene in a direct and forceful way. It was also recommended that Tamils be directly involved in the process of rehabilitation.
VISUVALINGAM KIRUPAHARAN, of Interfaith International, observed that this Special Session had been called after the cold-blooded massacre of more than 20,000 civilians in several days. Today, where were those who had survived? They were in concentration camps, far away from their habitual residence, surrounded by razor barbed wire and without food, medicine or freedom of movement. It was now more than a week since those killings had taken place and international agencies and observers were still not permitted to enter that area. In fact, Sri Lanka was in the process of clearing away the evidence in the same way it had done before in various parts of the north and east, including when 600 Tamils had "disappeared" and had been killed by the Sri Lankan security forces in the area called Chemmani in Jaffa. The laws of right conduct in war had been flagrantly and consistently breached by Sri Lanka – the 1949 Geneva Conventions and its 1977 protocols, as well as the Hague Conventions. Sri Lanka's war crimes and genocide against the Tamil people had been well documented for a very long time.
BELL HILAIRE, of Cercle de recherche sur les droits et les devoirs de la personne humaine (CRED), said that they had been closely following the situation and had welcomed the ceasefire in Sri Lanka. The demonstrations in front of the Palais des Nations had not let them become indifferent to the plight of the civil population. All the parties in Sri Lanka should unite their efforts in order for the country to return to peace, stability and sustainable development.
LILY AUROVILLIAN, of North South XXI, expressed regret that once again a Special Session had been called on the initiative of States that were not from the region. It was hoped that Special Sessions would be initiated by, and enjoy the support of, States from the region with which they were intended to deal with. If these conditions were not fulfilled, the Special Sessions ran a risk of appearing to not treat all States equal. This was contrary to the Charter of the United Nations. It was also hoped that the draft resolution proposed by the Government of Sri Lanka as well as others from the region would be adopted, but also that it would include a very clear statement of imperative need to ensure respect for international human rights and humanitarian law and to combat impunity for violations of international law. Dialogue between the Government of Sri Lanka and ethnic minority groups, especially the Tamils, was encouraged in an attempt to bring about a lasting political solution.
HELENE SACKSTEIN, of International Movement against all Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR), said the present situation called for urgent and immediate responses to the humanitarian needs of over 300,000 people displaced in Sri Lanka and for the protection of their human rights. The present celebrations had further worsened fears among all minorities, as a "Sinhala War Hero" culture was promoted through State sponsorship. That could easily lead to denying a long-lasting political solution to the Tamil national question and fundamental freedoms related to other faiths, beliefs and cultural identities. The continuing intimidation of human rights defenders, media persons and critics of a military resolution of the conflict who were being labelled as "anti-national" was a deliberate attempt to stifle expression of concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in the north.
MARISSA CRAMER, of United Nations Watch, said that United Nations Watch was alarmed by the human rights situation in Sri Lanka and aligned itself with those who had condemned the use of child soldiers and terrorist attacks by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. But the Government should also be held accountable for shelling no fire zones and for denying access to humanitarian organizations to camps. The situation in Sri Lanka was an emergency, a human rights catastrophe. Would the Council fulfil its mandate to protect human rights in the field? Giving what they had heard in this session, they feared it would fail to do so. Was protecting civilians from massive human rights violations a waste of time and money?
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