The Human Rights Council,
Reaffirming the purposes and principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations,
Guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Human Rights and other relevant instruments,
Bearing in mind General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006,
Recalling Council resolutions 5/1 and 5/2 of 18 June 2007, on institution-building of the Human Rights Council,
Recalling Human Rights Council resolution 19/2 of 22 March 2012 on promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka,
Reaffirming
that it is the responsibility of each State to ensure the full
enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of its entire
population,
Reaffirming
also that States must ensure that any measure taken to combat terrorism
complies with their obligations under international law, in particular
international human rights law, international refugee law and
international humanitarian law, as applicable,
Welcoming
the announcement by the Government of Sri Lanka to hold elections to
the Provincial Council in the Northern Province in September 2013,
Welcoming
and acknowledging the progress made by the Government of Sri Lanka in
rebuilding infrastructure, demining, resettling the majority of
internally displaced persons, and noting nonetheless that considerable
work lies ahead in the areas of justice, reconciliation and resumption
of livelihoods, and stressing the importance of the full participation
of local populations, including representatives of civil society and
minorities, in these efforts,
Taking
note of the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission
of Sri Lanka and its findings and recommendations, and acknowledging its
possible contribution to the process of national reconciliation in Sri
Lanka,
Taking
note of the National Plan of Action to implement the recommendations of
the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission of the Government of
Sri Lanka and its commitments as set forth in response to the findings
and recommendations of the Commission,
Noting
that the national plan of action does not adequately address all of the
findings and constructive recommendations of the Commission,
Recalling
the constructive recommendations contained in the Commission’s report,
including the need to credibly investigate widespread allegations of
extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, demilitarize the
north of Sri Lanka, implement impartial land dispute resolution
mechanisms, re-evaluate detention policies, strengthen formerly
independent civil institutions, reach a political settlement on the
devolution of power to the provinces, promote and protect the right of
freedom of expression for all and enact rule of law reforms,
Noting
with concern that the National Plan of Action and the Commission’s
report do not adequately address serious allegations of violations of
international human rights law and international humanitarian law,
Expressing
concern at the continuing reports of violations of human rights in Sri
Lanka, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings,
torture, and violations of the rights to freedom of expression,
association and peaceful assembly, as well as intimidation of and
reprisals against human rights defenders, members of civil society and
journalists, threats to judicial independence and the rule of law, and
discrimination on the basis of religion or belief,
Calling
upon the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfil its public commitments,
including on the devolution of political authority, which is integral to
reconciliation and the full enjoyment of human rights by all members of
its population,
Expressing
appreciation for the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka in
facilitating the visit of a technical mission from the Office of the
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and encouraging the
Government to increase its dialogue and cooperation with the Office of
the High Commissioner,
Noting
the High Commissioner’s call for an independent and credible
international investigation into alleged violations of international
human rights law and international humanitarian law,
1.
Welcomes the report of the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights on advice and technical assistance for the
Government of Sri Lanka on promoting reconciliation and accountability
in Sri Lanka[1] and the recommendations and conclusions contained
therein, in particular on the establishment of a truth-seeking mechanism
as an integral part of a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to
transitional justice;
2.
Encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations
made in the report of the Office of the High Commissioner, and also
calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to conduct an independent and
credible investigation into allegations of violations of international
human rights law and international humanitarian law, as applicable;
3.
Reiterates its call upon the Government of Sri Lanka to implement
effectively the constructive recommendations made in the report of the
Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, and to take all necessary
additional steps to fulfil its relevant legal obligations and commitment
to initiate credible and independent actions to ensure justice, equity
and accountability, and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans;
4.
Encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to cooperate with special
procedures mandate holders and to respond formally to their outstanding
requests, including by extending invitations and providing access;
5.
Encourages the Office of the High Commissioner and relevant special
procedures mandate holders to provide, in consultation with and with the
concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka, advice and technical
assistance on implementing the above-mentioned steps;
6.
Requests the Office of the High Commissioner, with input from relevant
special procedures mandate holders, as appropriate, to present an oral
updateto the Human Rights Council at its twenty-fourth session, and a
comprehensive report followed by a discussion at the twenty-fifth
session, on the implementation of the present resolution
Co-sponsors of the resolution;
Austria,
Canada, Croatia, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Georgia,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, Switzerland,
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States
of America.
