Madame President,
Sri Lanka takes note of the Special Rapporteur’s report on the Situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territories and wishes to express regret at the serious escalation in violence in the territory following evictions, demolitions, settlement expansion and settler violence. We deeply regret that the outbreak of violent hostilities in May caused wanton loss of many civilian lives. The long-term effects of such violence on infrastructure including water, sanitation and electricity will only lead to the suffering of the people of the Palestinian Territories.
We appreciate the work of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in responding to the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian Territories and call on the international community to strengthen support for their activities. We also highlight the paramount importance of addressing the aggravated humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories, including the provision of urgent healthcare including vaccines and therapeutics, and social and economic assistance to the populations affected by hostilities.
Sri Lanka re-iterates its consistent and principled position regarding the right of the Palestinian people to statehood and to the natural resources in their territory and re-iterates the importance of the early implementation of the relevant UNGA resolutions. We remain committed to supporting a negotiated settlement in line with the internationally agreed parameters of two states living side by side on the basis of the 1967 borders, which is key to achieving long term security, peace and prosperity.
I thank you
Madam President,
Sri Lanka notes the report presented by the Special Rapporteur on ‘means to address the human rights impact of pushbacks of migrants on land and at sea’.
In this context, we wish to draw this Council’s attention to the critical challenges faced by migrant workers, particualrly during the current pandemic situation.
The remittances of migrant workers who comprise 3.5% of the world’s population, contribute to the socio-economic development of communities and societies, lifting millions out of poverty, raising standards of living and providing access to health services, nutrition, education and housing. [According to the World Bank, remittance flows to low and middle income countries were US $ 540 in 2020, only 1.6% lower that the US$548 recorded in 2019.]
Madam President,
Sri Lanka notes the report presented by the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health.
The loss of lives and livelihoods and impediments to economic and social development due to the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated poverty, inequality and suffering, with serious consequences on the physical and mental health of billions around the world.
Recovery from this pandemic as well as prevention of a resurgence requires equitable access to diagnostics and therapeutics including vaccines, as well as adherence to other preventive measures. Despite early calls by the UN Secretary General and world leaders for international cooperation and solidarity in the response to the pandemic and for Covid-19 products to be considered global public goods, as we speak, millions of people from developing and least developed countries have been left behind due to unequal distribution of vaccines.
Mr. Vice President,
We exercise this right of reply in response to references to Sri Lanka made by the United Kingdom and other speakers during this interactive dialogue.
The proscribed groups referred to in these interventions include organisations linked to the LTTE and other international terrorist groups such as ISIS and Al Qaeda and their regional and Sri Lankan affiliates. They have been listed under the relevant domestic regulations as a part of Sri Lanka’s obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1373 which has been in operation for almost a decade. The list is based on cogent evidence. It is misleading and unwarranted to characterise action to prevent financing of terrorism and violent extremism as targeting of any particular community or as a hindrance to reconciliation.
Sri Lanka experienced the Easter Sunday suicide bombings in April 2019, which is by far the biggest terrorist attack on a civilian target to take place anywhere in the world. Measures taken by Sri Lanka to prevent recurrence of such terrorist attacks have been taken in the interest of public security and in accordance with the recommendations of the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security of 2019/2020. This was a unique national effort which had the participation of Parliamentarians of both the then government and the opposition, representing all ethnic and religious communities in the country. Sri Lanka continues to cooperate with foreign intelligence services including those of the OIC countries, to combat cross border terrorism. Some of the perpetrators of this act of terrorism have already been charged outside Sri Lanka.
Statement by Hon. Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka
Agenda Item 2: Interactive Dialogue on the OHCHR Report ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka’ (A/HRC/46/20)
24th February 2021
Madam President,
Madam High Commissioner,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The OHCHR Report which is presented today, emanates from the Resolution 30/1 and 40/1, from which the Government of Sri Lanka announced its withdrawal of co-sponsorship, at the 43rd Session of this Council last year.
Sri Lanka rejects the High Commissioner’s Report which has unjustifiably broadened its scope and mandate further, incorporating many issues of governance and matters that are essentially domestic for any self-respecting, sovereign country. This is in complete violation of Article 2 (7) of the Charter of the UN that states: “Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state…”
The trajectory that has emerged with regard to the recommendations and conclusions reflects the preconceived, politicized and prejudicial agenda which certain elements have relentlessly pursued against Sri Lanka. These recommendations are based on ill-founded allegations.
Sri Lanka categorically rejects the conclusions and recommendations in the High Commissioner’s Report.
The call for asset freezes, travel bans, references to the ICC and the exercise of universal jurisdiction by individual States, based on evidence that up to date has been denied access to and retained by the High Commissioners Office with some of it unreleased for thirty years, particularly in relation to a country like Sri Lanka which has consistently and constructively engaged with the UN and its mechanisms, points to a distinct and eminent danger which the international community as a whole need to take note of. Such unilateral actions by certain countries are unacceptable and a violation of the principles of natural justice.
Madam President,
Madam High Commissioner,
Distinguished Ambassadors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
- As I address you today, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has published a report on Sri Lanka accompanied by an unprecedented propaganda campaign on that report.
- Sri Lankan heroic armed forces militarily neutralized the LTTE in 2009 after three-decades of conflict. The Sri Lanka Government acted in self-defense to safeguard the unitary state, sovereignty & territorial integrity from the world’s most ruthless separatist terrorist organization.
- The LTTE is the only terrorist organization in the world which has killed two world leaders: a serving President of Sri Lanka and a former Prime Minister of India extending its terror beyond the borders of Sri Lanka.
- End of terrorism guaranteed the most cherished of all human rights - right to life of all Sri Lankans – Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslims.
- Nonetheless hegemonic forces colluded against Sri Lanka in bringing an unsubstantiated resolution against Sri Lanka which was defeated by the support of friendly nations who remain by Sri Lanka’s side even today. Further resolutions were presented to this Council on purely political motives. In each instance Sri Lanka presented the procedural improprieties, and how such processes could set a dangerous precedent affecting all member states of the United Nations.
International Dialogue on Migration – 2020
Panel 2: Protection of vulnerable migrants during and beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
Statement by Sri Lanka
15 October 2020
Mr Antonio Vittorino, DG/IOM
Excellencies and Colleagues
The focus of this panel on the protection of vulnerable migrants during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic is not only timely but a present necessity. It is our hope that this discussion will lead to a better understanding of the issues, challenges and gaps in providing protection and assistance to this group, and result in stronger cooperation between Governments and other stakeholders in the development of policies, practises and networks ensuring greater assistance and protection for vulnerable migrants during the present pandemic and beyond.
Migrant workers comprise 3.5% of the world’s population and are a crucial part of the global workforce. The contribution of migrant workers to economic growth and development has become critical not only for the countries of origin, but also for upward socioeconomic mobility in the region and internationally.
- Statement by Sri Lanka during the panel discussion on "The role of the state and public policies to address poverty and inequalities" at the UN Human Rights Council's Social Forum 2020
- Statement by Sri Lanka at the General Debate of the 71st Annual Session of the Executive Committee of the UNHCR programme
- Statement by Sri Lanka at the ID with the Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights on the report of the Secretary-General on co-operation with the UN its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights during the 45th session of the UN HRC