SL delegation to UNHRC makes brief presentation

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

Sri Lankan delegation to United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)yesterday made a brief presentation on the country's Human Rights situation, and outlined the Council its progress in post- war development and reconciliation on the first day of UNHRC sessions.

External Affairs Ministry Secretary Katunatilleke Amunugama yesterday said, representatives of the Sri Lankan delegation led by Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva Manisha Gunasekera, outlined the country's latest position in relation to resettlement of IDPs, rehabilitation and reintegration of combatants.

He said, " It was a brief session that was limited to less than half an hour ." Asked if the delegation briefed the Council about recent measures taken by the government to reduce the presence troop in the Northern Province, Amungama said, they have tabled a detailed paper on the situation in the North , which will give the Council an idea about the overall situation in these areas.

However, he said, there was reportedly no mention of Sri Lanka by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navaneetham Pillay or any other officials during their speeches and presentations at the Council.

"It has been good so far, but this is only the first day," he added. The Council will go on until July 6.

UN Human Rights Commissioner detailed to the Council on her office's activities on the lines of Human Rights dimension of migration, accountability and Rule of Law, discrimination, rights of women, indigenous peoples, minorities, persons with disabilities and Human Rights in relation to the United Nations peace and security agenda.

According to reports reaching from Geneva, there was no mention of the implementation of the LLRC recommendations.

External Affairs Secretary Amunugama said , "Sri Lankan delegation has informed the Council about the government 's commitment to implement some of the recommendations in the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission Report.

Asked why "some of the recommendations" , Amunugama said ," Sri Lanka has never declared to United Nations Huiman Rights Council or anybody that it will implement a full package of the report concered in its entirety."