Curbing human trafficking, child labour:

'SL makes strides'

Rasika Somarathna

US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Maria Otero yesterday said that Sri Lanka has made impressive strides in curbing human trafficking and child labour in recent times.

Speaking to the media in Colombo alongside US Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blakes, Otero said that the US appreciated the work of the LLRC which has made important and positive recommendations in crucial areas, such as, reconciliation.

The implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations, could contribute to genuine reconciliation and strengthening of democratic institutions and practices in Sri Lanka, she said.

Under Secretary Otero also said that during discussions President Mahinda Rajapaksa had assured her that the government is looking to implement the LLRC report in a comprehensive manner.

"The President also explained the government's vision to advance reconciliation among communities," she added.

She said the UN Human Rights Council in March is a viable opportunity for the government to explain what it intends to do to implement LLRC's recommendations.

Describing her interactions with officials and groups who focus on trafficking in persons, child labour, and human rights she said that the government has demonstrated improved performance, most notably in the successful prosecution and conviction of traffickers under anti-trafficking legislation, and rejuvenated its inter-agency task force on this issue.

On curbing child labour, she said, the government is making a great progress. She said today only less than two percent of children are engaged in the worst forms of child labour in Sri Lanka and that is a significant achievement.

"We are more encouraged by the government's plan to eliminate the worst forms of child labour from the country by 2016," she added and said that on both counts, the US will continue to work with the government for further improvement.

Describing the close ties between the two countries, Otero said that the US has long been a friend of Sri Lanka.

"We were one of the first countries to recognize the LTTE as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 1997.

"Since 1956, USAID has provided over $2 billion in assistance to Sri Lanka for multifaceted development and humanitarian assistance efforts," she added.

She also noted that assistance from the US is shifting from relief to sustainable development and is focused on two key areas: economic growth for conflict affected regions and strengthened cooperation between the state and the civil society. Describing close ties she said, "our bilateral relations with Sri Lanka are multifaceted."

Assistant Secretary Blake answering questions from the media said that the US hopes to work cooperatively with the government. He also said that the US support the successful conclusion of the current dialogue between the government and the TNA.