I am aware of the report on Sri Lanka presented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to the 32nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Ireland is a strong supporter of the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and has welcomed this update on Sri Lanka.
On Wednesday 29 June, Ireland delivered a national statement at the Human Rights Council responding to this report in which we welcomed the Sri Lankan Government’s positive engagement with the Council to date and recognised areas in which progress towards reconciliation has been made. This includes visits by Special Rapporteurs, and steps being taken towards the establishment of an Office of Missing Persons. We also echoed the call of the High Commissioner for further concrete steps to be taken to facilitate access to justice for victims of conflict in Sri Lanka. In particular, we called on the Government to ensure that the implementation of commitments made under resolution 30/1 is carried forward in an inclusive manner. This statement highlighted the importance of international participation in the accountability mechanism being developed and urged the Government to engage in broad and open consultations with all affected communities.
Ireland understands reconciliation as a long-term process in which all levels of society should be actively involved. In order to support this process in conflict-affected areas, my Department provides support to non-governmental organisations and international agencies involved in mediation and reconciliation throughout the world, several of whom are active in Sri Lanka. These organisations engage at the levels of government, civil society and community to promote dialogue and reconciliation for a lasting and sustainable peace.
