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Address by Minister of Foreign Affairs Tyronne Fernando at the Fifth Meeting of the Permanent Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee on Human Rights Issues - 17th January 2002 at 10.00 a.m. at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic Building - I have great pleasure in welcoming you to the Fifth meeting of the Permanent Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee on Human Rights Issues.

We are gathering here at a particularly important juncture. The UNF Government which assumed office little over a month ago has in its election manifesto unequivocally reiterated its commitment to strengthen institutions that promote and protect Human Rights. In the Government's Hundred-day work programme, many concrete steps in the field of human rights have been included for implementation.

I wish to mention some of the measures taken by the Government to further promote and protect human rights. These include

- Cessation of hostilities in response to LTTE ceasefire and negotiation for a mutually agreed ceasefire.

- Revival of the peace process through the facilitation of Norwegian Government.

- Enhanced humanitarian assistance to people living in the North and East.

- Facilitating free movement of essential goods as well as all people over the island.

- Appointment of a Committee to investigate pre and post election violence.

- Exploring the possibilities of opening land route A9 (Jaffna-Kandy road).

- Expediting judicial process in respect of detainees under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

- Reviewing legislation relating to criminal defamation.

- Appointment of two committees by the Hon. Prime Minister to look into human rights problems in the North and East - one to look into the problems of Tamils and the other to look into issues relating to restrictions on fishing.

Foreign Ministry's focus on human rights issues stem from a variety of reasons. First and foremost, Human Rights is high on the global agenda and constitute an integral part of a country's foreign policy both at the bilateral and multilateral level.

The overall international image of a country is profoundly influenced by its human rights record. Any attempt to improve the country's image should inevitably include addressing concerns about its human rights. Needless to say, the broader objectives of promoting economic co-operation, investment, tourism, trade etc, are helped immensely by systematic efforts to address human rights concerns.

Furthermore, the Foreign Ministry as the focal point for all international legal obligations has an important role to play in the area of human rights. As State Party to 14 major human rights conventions, Sri Lanka is treaty bound to respect the obligations arising from these Conventions to promote and protect human rights consistent with international human rights and humanitarian norms and standards.

Sri Lanka also voluntarily cooperates with Human Rights mechanisms established by the UN Commission on Human Rights. In the recent past, Sri Lanka has extended invitation to and received visits by:

- UN Special Rapporteur on Summary and Extra Judicial Executions in 1997

- Un Secretary General's Special representative for Children in Armed Conflict in 1998

- UN Working Group on Disappearances in 1999

- Two Member delegation of the Committee Against Torture in 2000. Sri Lanka continues to receive a large number of human rights allegations from the various UN Human Rights mechanisms. It is imperative to provide comprehensive and credible clarifications in respect of these allegations.

The mandate of the Permanent, Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee includes taking policy decisions regarding the promotion and protection of human rights and monitoring law enforcement efforts with regard to alleged human rights violations.

The Committee also gives appropriate direction and advice to government agencies, enabling them to take necessary measures to fulfil Sri Lanka's obligations as a State Party to several international human rights instruments.

It is encouraging to note that Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, Attorney General's Department, Armed Forces and Police Department continue to extend maximum cooperation and assistance for the successful implementation of the mandates of the Permanent Inter Ministerial Standing Committee and Inter Ministerial Working Group on Human Rights.

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