NDP Welcomes UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Sri Lanka

The NDP is pleased to see the resolution adopted Thursday at the United Nations Human Rights Council, emphasizing the continued need for reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka.

“By authorizing the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct an independent investigation into allegations of human rights violations during the civil war in Sri Lanka, this resolution is an important step toward ending impunity in Sri Lanka,” said NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre).

On Wednesday, the NDP proposed a motion calling for an independent international inquiry mechanism into alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations and abuses of human rights during the Sri Lankan civil war. The motion received unanimous consent in the House of Commons.

“Victims of human rights abuses and their families deserve justice, and the Sri Lankan government has repeatedly refused to implement a credible national process,” added NDP MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan (Scarborough–Rouge River). “The Government of Canada should provide all possible support for the independent investigation.”