In statements released in the wake of a UN Human Rights Council resolution appointing an international investigation into rights abuses in Sri Lanka, US officials, US National Security Council spokesperson Caitlin Hayden and the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Michele J. Sison, drew attention to the deteriorating human rights situation on the island.
National Security Council Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden said in a statement after the vote,
“We agree with the resolution’s request for the Office of the High Commissioner to investigate alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties to the conflict and to monitor the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, which has continued to deteriorate.
Today’s resolution sends a message of concern about the present human rights situation in Sri Lanka and the denial of universal rights, and it underscores the importance of fundamental freedoms that must be respected in order to build a future in which all of Sri Lanka’s people can achieve their aspirations.”
See the full statement here.
Meanwhile US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Michele J. Sison said earlier today the the resolution
“affirms the belief of the international community that continued effort is needed to help Sri Lanka take meaningful action on reconciliation, justice, and accountability”.
She went on to add,
“Furthermore, the human rights situation in Sri Lanka is deteriorating.”