Sri Lanka slammed for repression of right to assembly
With the recent violence making headlines around the world as the Sri Lanka Army reportedly fired live bullets to disperse a protesting crowd, the United States of America today expressed concern for the appalling used of violence against civilians who were staging a protest demanding for drinking water.
Reports say the army is criticized of not allowing the people to take the injured to the hospital after the incident. The violence reportedly killed one person while injuring over dozens including media personnel.
In her statement in Washington DC today, Spokesperson Jen Psaki offers her condolences to the families of the deceased and injured.
“We continue to urge all sides to exercise restraint, and urge the authorities to respect the right of peaceful protest.” – Ms. Psaki
The US government is also particularly concerned by reports that protestors seeking refuge within a Catholic church were attacked in the holy ground.
Ms. Psaki says there is never any excuse for violence, particularly in a house of worship.
The US calls for a thorough and transparent inquiry into all aspects of the Weliweriya violence, for those conclusions to be made public, and for there to be a credible mechanism to prosecute any wrongdoing.
UN Mission To Promote A Durable, Just and Equitable Peace in Sri Lanka
In March 2012, the United States commended the UN Human Rights Council for taking strong action to promote a durable, just and equitable peace in Sri Lanka.
The resolution adopted convincingly promotes reconciliation and accountability after decades of terrorism and civil war.
The resolution welcomes the constructive recommendations in the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission, while acknowledging the need to address key issues of accountability.
The resolution also calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to present a plan to implement the recommendations and address alleged violations of international law.
To advance these efforts, the resolution encourages the UN to offer advice and technical assistance to Sri Lanka.
By a vote of 24 in favour, 15 against and 8 abstentions, the Council adopted a resolution urging Sri Lanka to investigate potential human rights abuses committed during its 26-year-long civil war.
