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Implement OHCHR, TNA tells Govt.
View(s):The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) yesterday said it will continue to engage all domestic and international stakeholders, including the Government in the process of accountability in Sri Lanka and would fully support the implementation of the recommendations of the OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka (OISL) Report and the related resolution.
“It is now incumbent on the Government to implement the resolution,” the TNA said in a statement though cautioning that the resolution, by itself, will not win back the confidence of the victims.
“That would require meaningful implementation in a spirit of cooperation. We call on the Government to exhibit the courage to create a conducive atmosphere for implementation.”
The TNA said that the UNHRC’s resolution reflects a difficult consensus, and involved the weakening of some paragraphs in the original draft resolution and the strengthening of others.
“We are deeply mindful that any perceived compromise causes hurt to those most traumatised by the horrific crimes that have been committed in Sri Lanka.
Nevertheless, the resolution – if implemented – provides a genuine opportunity for real progress on accountability and reconciliation. We are grateful to the co-sponsors of the resolution for engaging with the TNA throughout the process, and accommodating our concerns and views,” the TNA said.
The Party urged the Government to implement the resolution in a spirit of honesty and cooperation, in particular, the Council’s affirmation of the need for the participation of Commonwealth and other foreign judges, prosecutors, investigators and lawyers in a court enabled to try international crimes, through a Special Counsel for prosecutions.
“We also note the critical importance of the Government’s commitment to a political settlement through necessary constitutional measures. Other important guarantees include those concerning the review and repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act; the review of the Public Security Ordinance; the review of the Victims and Witness Protection Act and strengthened witness protection in the operation of the Act; a new office to trace missing persons; the acceleration of the return of lands to owners; the vetting of security sector employees through a fair administrative process; the ratification of the Disappearances Convention and criminalisation of enforced disappearances; ending military involvement in civilian activities; restoring normality in civilian life; and cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and special procedures..,” the statement added.