Reference to Sri Lanka in the European Parliament’s Resolution on the 19th UN Human Rights Council
Geoffrey Van Orden MBE MEP, Chairman of the Friends of Sri Lanka Group in the European Parliament, comments on the reference to Sri Lanka in the European Parliament’s Resolution on the 19th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (16 February 2012)
"Sri Lanka is making good progress following the end of the terrorism that has afflicted the country and held it back these past 30 years. There is widespread recognition, in government, in the administration, and in the senior ranks of the armed forces that the mistakes of the past must not be repeated and that there is now an opportunity to create greater political consensus and move forward both politically and economically.
Contrary to many expectations, the recently published report of the "Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC)" addressed the allegations that had been made concerning human rights violations in a comprehensive and robust manner and proposed concrete action. It also dealt with the many other aspects of the long-drawn-out conflict. We have called for rapid follow up to the LLRC's recommendations. Indeed, the Sri Lankan Armed Forces have already established a five-member panel of senior officers to investigate allegations of human rights violations that may have been committed by members of the security forces during the final stages of the war. The Government of Sri Lanka has provided credible assurances that those guilty will not go unpunished.
Unfortunately, there are still elements - particularly within the Tamil diaspora - that seek to sustain a culture of grievance and discontent. Indeed, there are undoubtedly residual LTTE activists and their apologists who would wish to reignite conflict for their own selfish ends. They try to exploit the democratic systems in their new countries of residence for their own purposes and seem to have no difficulty in finding willing politicians, journalists and even NGOs to promote their views. In all this, we should not forget that the foremost victims of LTTE violence and oppression were the Tamil and Moslem populations and that all the peoples of Sri Lanka suffered through the years of conflict and economic distraction.
Reference to Sri Lanka in the Parliament's recent resolution on Human Rights was a quite deliberate and politically motivated intervention that was neither necessary nor appropriate at this stage. The ECR and EPP groups in the Parliament were forced to respond but their more balanced amendment was very narrowly defeated by the Left (291 votes in favour, 310 votes against).
Sri Lanka's friends from across the political spectrum are well aware of what needs to be done to get Sri Lanka back on the right path. Its government should be given the benefit of the doubt and actively encouraged and supported by the international community - not subjected to constant carping and attack - at this crucial period in Sri Lanka's recovery. We hope that all people of good will, with the interests of all Sri Lanka's peoples at heart, will join with us in helping Sri Lanka move forward, firmly embedded in the democratic system that is its heritage
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