Only one vote majority for resolution; 24 say ‘yes’,
23 decline to support:
Might overrules right
*China, Russia and Cuba vote in favour
*Abstentions, a plus for Lanka
*‘Misconceived, unwarranted and ill-timed resolution’
*‘Those who live in glass houses are best advised to exercise
caution before throwing stones’
The United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC) yesterday passed the U
S sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka with 24 countries in favour and
15 against with eight abstentions, which were essentially countries who
are supporters of Sri Lanka. This brought the voting tally to 24 for and
23 against the resolution. Cuba, China and Russia, strong allies of the
country voted against the resolution.
Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe |
Earlier in the day, the chances of the US sponsored resolution on Sri
Lanka being carried with a majority vote, increasingly looked the likely
scenario with many of the countries who had hitherto pledged their
allegiance to Sri Lanka backing away in the wake of intense pressure
mounted by the USA and its allies.
Despite this Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe and the rest of the
delegation made a fervent bid to change the minds of the uncommitted
delegates to consider Sri Lanka’s case in a favourable light,but it was
apparent that a majority were prepared to vote in favour of the
resolution or abstain due to the pressure exerted by US and its ability
to wield its economic clout. However, only 24 countries voted in favour
of the resolution in the 47-member Council.
Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe addressing the Council before the vote
yesterday said that after 30 long years of instability and violence Sri
Lanka has now achieved stability and peace.
"We need to be given time to further consolidate the clear progress
that has been achieved in a short period of three years" he added.
He said "it is against this backdrop that my country is compelled to
face a misconceived, unwarranted and ill-timed draft resolution, which
embodies several harmful elements that clearly violates important
principles that will have adverse ramifications, not only for my
country, but many other countries"
The minister added " This is why we took a decision, on a matter of
principle, that we will not accept such a resolution, in an endeavour to
also ensure that a bad precedent is not established by this council" The
minister also said that the resolution also runs counter to the
principle of international law that domestic remedies must be exhausted
and should be the first resort, prior to superimposing external
mechanisms.
"In respect of Sri Lanka's situation it is barely three months since
the presentation of the domestic mechanism's report. Is it fair for this
council to pre-judge our commitment to all aspects of the domestic
process at this juncture", he questioned.
He also pointed out that Sri Lanka has been a role model of,
consistently and unambiguously, engaging with everyone in the council at
all times over the years, including during the height of terror. Many
other countries too spoke in favour of Sri Lanka while endorsing the
country's view that it needs more time and space to address relevant
issues without external interferences.
[Voting at the UNHRC sessions in Geneva]
It is against any country putting pressure on others in the name of
rights violations. Sri Lanka has made rapid progress on Human Rights and
realization of reconciliation process - China
The resolution was not necessary at this point of time. Sri Lanka
should be given time to implement the recommendations of the Lessons
Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). We understand the trauma
that Sri Lanka went through due to the war – The Maldives
We oppose the resolution as it is an attempt to dictate terms on a
sovereign State how it should handle domestic issues - Russia
The Human Rights Council should not take a biased approach on Sri
Lanka. Sri Lanka has shown willingness to improve its human rights
situation. It has appointed the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation
Commission to investigate issues in the aftermath of the conflict -
Equador
We question the legitimacy and credibility of the draft resolution
put forward by the US on Sri Lanka branding it “unjustified and
unnecessary”. The US had still not closed its prison at Guantanamo
despite President Barrack Obama promising that it would be. This could
possibly become a point of confrontation and that it would be best if
the resolution on Sri Lanka could be postponed - Cuba
Sri Lanka is struggling to rise out of the ashes of 30 years conflict
which claimed thousands of innocent civilians in the country. It should
be given more time to promote reconciliation. The resolution makes a
negative impact on the smooth process of reconciliation of Sri Lanka -
Bangladesh
We are against the resolution against Sri Lanka at this juncture as
three years have only elapsed after the conflict - Kuwait
The technical advice mentioned within the resolution should not be
used as an instrument of pressure on the have-nots. - Philippines
Sri Lanka as a member of the Non Aligned Movement has taken
tremendous efforts to promote reconciliation in the aftermath of
conflict - Qatar
Sri Lanka should be given more time to heal the wounds of conflict -
Congo
Sri Lanka has taken many positive steps towards the implementation of
the LLRC commission and external pressure at this juncture is totally
unwarranted - Indonesia
We oppose the efforts to meddle with internal affairs of Sri Lanka –
Thailand
Sri Lanka eradicated terrorism which destroyed the country for over
three decades. The country has taken a number of steps to promote
reconciliation – Uganda
We are of the view that Sri Lanka should have more time for
reconciliation – Saudi Arabia
Lanka has made tremendous strides towards development in the
aftermath of conflict - Mauritius
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