Lanka's report to be adopted by HRC

The formal adoption of the report Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Sri Lanka will take place today (Friday 13 June) at the ongoing UN Human Rights Council's 8th Session in Geneva. Secretary to Disaster Management and Human Rights Ministry, Professor Rajiva Wijesingha will lead the Sri Lankan delegation at today's Session. After an one hour interactive dialogue focused on Sri Lanka, the report will be submitted for adoption by the UN body.

Sri Lanka's national report was presented by Minister Samarasinghe to the working group on May 13, and an intense interactive dialogue based on the national report as well as reports from the UN and NGOs was conducted over a three-hour period. Sri Lanka's national report won praise from country delegations for its comprehensive nature and objective appraisal of the human rights situation in the country, a release from the Disaster Management and Human Rights Ministry said.

During the interactive dialogue, a number of countries made interventions and observations and nearly 80 recommendations were received. Sri Lanka responded positively to this display of interest and accepted 45 recommendations.

A further 11 recommendations were deferred for further consideration and 26 recommendations were not accepted. In addition Sri Lanka made 26 voluntary commitments in keeping with its national priorities and needs. The repot of the working group was successfully adopted on May 19.

The working group's reports will be the subject of a further interactive dialogue involving member states and also international and national NGOs. The final outcome of the UPR will be reflected in the document adopted by the Council. Sri Lanka has pledged to work towards implementation of the final recommendations within the overall framework of a National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights which was announced by Minister Samarasinghe at the Council on May 13.

The Minister will lead efforts to formulate the Plan in consultation with all stakeholders including civil society and commence implementation in the near future, the release said.

Minister Samarasinghe who managed the process of preparation of the Sri Lanka National Report and who led the national delegation to the Human Rights Council working group on the UPR in May, is coordinating and facilitating relief and rehabilitation efforts for victims affected by the June floods.