CVCD rejects controversial Darusman Report

The Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors (CVCD) on Saturday ratified the CVCD statement on the controversial Darusman Report.

The statement: We, the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors (CVCD) of universities wish to express our serious concern on the events unfolding with regard to the initiative taken by the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UNSG) to establish a 'Panel of Experts' to investigate and report on the allegations of human rights violations during the last phase of the conflict in Sri Lanka.

'When the power and authority of the UNSG to appoint such a panel was questioned by many international legal experts, he explicitly stated that it was an 'advisory' panel who will report to him. He has reiterated and maintained this position in his statement issued on April 25.

'This position was reiterated by US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Robert O'Blake, during his visit to Sri Lanka in June 2010.

'Subsequent events and the controversy that has developed indicate that the UNSG has deviated from his original position by attempting to thrust his 'advisory panel's report' on the UN and Sri Lanka.

'This attempt by the UNSG has to be vigorously and consistently resisted. The UNSG should not be permitted to arbitrarily appoint panels and take action on their reports on internal matters of member states.'