The Chair of the US Senate Foreign Relations called for an international investigation into crimes committed during the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
In a letter addressed to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, dated March 19th, Chairman Sen. Menendez said that he wished to "express my support for a resolution at the current session of the UN Human Rights Council that includes an international investigation in Sri Lanka for crimes committed during that country's civil war."
Stating that the Sri Lankan government's efforts to address these issues had "proven inadequate to date", Sen. Menendez said, "a more active and urgent response by the international community" was required.
"We must be united in our message to the government of Sri Lanka: the international community will remain vigilant until we see concrete and credible accountability and genuine political reconciliation," he wrote.
Highlighting the "deteriorating environment for the democratic process and human rights in Sri Lanka", he said that the North was particularly acutely affected.
See full letter here. Extracts reproduced below:
In a letter addressed to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, dated March 19th, Chairman Sen. Menendez said that he wished to "express my support for a resolution at the current session of the UN Human Rights Council that includes an international investigation in Sri Lanka for crimes committed during that country's civil war."
Stating that the Sri Lankan government's efforts to address these issues had "proven inadequate to date", Sen. Menendez said, "a more active and urgent response by the international community" was required.
"We must be united in our message to the government of Sri Lanka: the international community will remain vigilant until we see concrete and credible accountability and genuine political reconciliation," he wrote.
Highlighting the "deteriorating environment for the democratic process and human rights in Sri Lanka", he said that the North was particularly acutely affected.
See full letter here. Extracts reproduced below:
"First, the large presence of Sri Lankan military remaining in the north has angered the local population who see it as an occupation force that is there not to provide security, but benefit economically from the region."
"Second, the civilian population in the north, particularly women and children remain disproportionally affected by the war."
"U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff recently met with journalists in Jaffna who shared graphic accounts of attacks on newspaper printing presses and individual journalists."
"Since 2009, the government has taken substantial steps to rebuild infrastructure in the north destroyed during the war. New bridges, roads and buildings can be seen throughout the region. This development is welcomed, should not be ignored and shows that the government is capable of taking concrete and measurable action. Development projects are not however a substitute for true political reconciliation. Until the Sri Lankan government engages in genuine reconciliation that serves to strengthen the long term stability of the country, I will support international efforts to promote accountability, political reconciliation and reform."