The European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council has decided to support calls for an independent probe into “alleged severe crimes” during the conflict and current human rights issues.

Meeting to decide the EU’s priorities during the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva next month, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to the HRC.

“Ahead of the 25th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) and following the conclusion of the Third Committee of the 68th UN General Assembly, the EU reaffirms its strong commitment to and support for the HRC and other United Nations bodies tasked with the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide,

“The EU is, and will remain, a vocal advocate of human rights, and lends its full support to the multilateral human rights system, which plays a critical role in the promotion and protection of universal human rights norms and standards and in the monitoring of compliance,

“The EU will actively support efforts to enhance accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, including a credible and independent investigation into the alleged severe crimes during the civil war, as well as to address the current human rights situation in the country.”

The Council also paid tribute to the dedication of the outgoing High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navanetham Pillay, in highlighting human rights issues.

“The EU pays tribute, at the end of her tenure, to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay and her staff for their dedicated work, including in raising awareness for the plight of victims of human rights violations worldwide, and mainstreaming human rights across the United Nations system. The EU supports and defends the independence and integrity of the mandate of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which, over the 20 years of its existence, has greatly contributed to advancing the realization of all human rights for all.”