The resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka that was presented at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva has been adopted.
The resolution was adopted at the 51st ongoing session of the UNHRC with 20 votes in favour, 07 votes against, and 20 abstaining.
The Permanent Representative to the UK in Geneva, Ambassador Simon Manley introduced the resolution on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC today.
The resolution was proposed by the core group on Sri Lanka, comprising Canada, Germany, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and 30 other countries.
Presenting the resolution, Manley said the text is largely based on last year’s resolution but has been updated to reflect some of the key developments over the last 18 months in what has been a rather dramatic time for Sri Lanka – an economic crisis, mass protests, and a change in government, all of which have had a significant bearing on the human rights situation in the country.
Speaking earlier, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry categorically rejected the new draft resolution presented against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.
Rejecting the new resolution, Minister Ali Sabry said the draft resolution had been presented without Sri Lanka’s consent or consultation.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry further said the new resolution will not be helpful to the country.
Meanwhile, China had also called on the other nations to reject the new draft resolution that has been presented on Sri Lanka.
Pakistan had also called for a vote on the resolution, stating that it will vote against it as it is outside the purview of the Council’s mandate and does not include provisions for atrocities committed by the LTTE.
Japan said that it will abstain from voting on the resolution presented against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC. (NewsWire)
