ICJ seeks productive engagement with Govt

COLOMBO: The International Commission of Jurists has welcomed the proposal of Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, made on 29 June, that the Australian Government further assist the investigation by recommending a ballistics expert who could consult with Australian pathologist Dr. Dodd who observed the re-examination of the aid workers’ bodies in October 2006.

In a news release issued yesterday, the ICJ also commended the Government assurance that it would immediately make available to the Australian authorities additional material they have requested.

It said the ICJ seeks a productive engagement with the Government of Sri Lanka, with the aim of helping to ensure that those responsible for such killings are brought to justice.

“The ICJ considers that what is important now is to establish beyond doubt the calibre of the weapons used to kill the 17 aid workers. This is of vital importance as it may help to identify the killers.

As suggested by Michael Birnbaum QC in his second report, a crucial step in establishing the calibre of the weapons will be to compare all available photographic material related to the ballistics evidence, with the exhibits submitted to the Government Analyst.

The ICJ recognises the inherent difficulties of investigating serious crimes in the context of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, in light of the concerns summarized below, the ICJ considers that the investigation should now be intensified to ensure that the truth is revealed and that those responsible are brought to justice.”

The ICJ said it looks forward to the implementation of the commitment made by the President at a meeting with the ICJ Secretary-General in June, that the Government will establish a task force within the regular justice system to vigorously renew the investigation.

It is essential that when such killings occur, the truth should be revealed, those responsible brought to justice and families of victims should receive reparations, the ICJ said.