Human rights not affected by war
Rajiva Wijesinha (born May 16, 1954), is a Sri
Lankan writer in English, distinguished for his political analysis as
well as creative and critical work, former President/Leader of the
Liberal Party of Sri Lanka and a Vice-President of Liberal
International. He has been appointed the Secretary-General of the
Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) with effect from
June 2007.
The ongoing military operation in Sri Lanka has increased the need
for humanitarian assistance but we (Sri Lanka) reject the assumption
that it adversely affects human rights, said Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha,
Secretary General Peace Secretariat and Secretary, Ministry of Disaster
Management and Human Rights at the 10th session of the UN Human Rights
Council held in Geneva on Wednesday.
Prof. Wijesinha who was responding to comments made by the British
Representative said Sri Lanka is close to eliminating one of the most
effective terrorist organisations in the world and as such it should be
encouraged rather than stymied by those who believe in human rights and
basic human decency.
Responding to comments made by the French Representative about
civilians affected by the conflict being helpless before violations of
human rights and international humanitarian law, Prof. Wijesinha said
the moot point here was as to what extent terrorists could be subjected
to such law.
Civilians in the conflict zone were helpless because the LTTE would
not let them go. Therefore all those concerned about these fellow
citizens should make it loud and clear that the LTTE should not hold
people hostage.
Prof. Wijesinha said another misapprehension among those who seem to
care about Sri Lanka was that Sri Lankan forces use child soldiers.
Except for a few drummer boys in Britain, recruitment of child
soldiers is not the preserve of regular armies but of terrorists. All
those who want children held by terrorists released should welcome Sri
Lanka's victory over terrorism.
Prof. Wijesinha thanked the British representation for his
condolences on those affected by the terrorist attack against the Sri
Lanka cricket team in Lahore.
Sri Lanka also condoled with them and in particular the servicemen
who died in protecting Sri Lankan sportsmen.
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