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| Tuesday, 2 December 2003 |
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by Ramani Kangaraarachchi The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) which in the past was strongly critical of Sri Lanka's human rights record is now praising the country's efforts to facilitate investigations into human rights violations. "The UNHRC has also commended our efforts to educate the public officials and Armed Forces about human rights standards", Army Chief of Staff, Major General Shantha Kottegoda said yesterday. He was addressing a seminar on International Humantarian Law for senior officers of the Armed Forces held at Hotel Taj Samudra. The Major General said that though most of the members of the Sri Lanka Army were aware of the Law of Armed Conflict, they may not be clear about their responsibilities when required to conduct a military mission within the framework of the law. In such a situation, some may fear that adhering to the Law of Armed Conflict would not be effective or it might inevitably place them at a disadvantage. Kottegoda pointed out that the 'Human Rights' concept could be used as a yardstick for good governance and of civil society and it would be prudent to take cognisance of this fact. He warned the senior officers that they should never forget that ultimately it is they who are accountable for every action on their part though such action may be demanded by the complexities of the politics and the atmosphere of war in the world. Finally, he requested the senior officers to carry the message of International Humanitarian Law to their subordinates and troops under their command in order to achieve a pleasant and conducive environment which may be attained only through the cultivation of respect for others and development of attitudes that respect everybody individually and finally the humanity. The seminar attended by 40 senior officers of the Armed Forces covered the legal aspects of the Law of Armed Conflict across the full spectrum of Armed Conflict, including Peace Support Operations and Internal Security Operations. Lectures were conducted by ex -Rear Admiral V. Malhotra of the Indian Navy and Major General D.S.K. Wijesuriya. |
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