The Canadian Foreign Affairs minister, John Baird, welcomed the UNHRC's adoption of resolution 22/L1 on Thursday.
In a statement, Baird said:
“Canada welcomes the adoption of a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council that expresses growing international concern over Sri Lanka’s ongoing failure to address serious allegations of human rights violations that occurred in 2009. The Council also expressed concerns regarding threats to judicial independence and the rule of law, reports of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and torture, and violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly."
“Canada was proud to support this initiative. I am pleased that the UN Human Rights Council is maintaining its focus on this gravely disturbing situation."
“The resolution reminds courageous individuals and their families, as well as victims of human rights violations, that they have not been forgotten by the international community. Canada will continue to pursue this issue—and other troubling recent developments like the weakening of judicial independence and the rule of law in Sri Lanka — through multilateral and other channels, including the Commonwealth.”
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