Australia to co-sponsor resolution on Sri Lanka

Australia has decided to co-sponsor the resolution supporting reconciliation, human rights and accountability in Sri Lanka tabled in the UN Human Rights Council on 24 September.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said that Australia took note of the serious findings of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights investigation on Sri Lanka, particularly that war crimes and crimes against humanity may have been committed by both sides to Sri Lanka?s civil conflict.

She said Australia welcomes the Sri Lankan Government?s co-sponsorship of the resolution and its commitment to establish independent mechanisms for truth seeking, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence.

“If effectively implemented, these mechanisms will provide Sri Lanka with a platform to achieve genuine reconciliation,”?Julie Bishop said.

She says Australia remains committed to supporting a stable and prosperous Sri Lanka and stand ready to assist as Sri Lanka heals the wounds of the past and looks forward to a secure and prosperous future for all its citizens. (Colombo Gazette)