UK says give Sri Lanka time to fully implement resolution

The British Government told the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) today to give Sri Lanka time to fully implement the October 2015 resolution.

British Minister for Asia and the Pacific at the Foreign and?Commonwealth Office, Alok Sharma, told the Council during the high-level segment?he?welcomes Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera’s constructive engagement at the UNHRC.

“We must give Sri Lanka time to fully implement the October 2015 resolution and post-conflict measures required to embed stability, reconciliation and justice,” he said.

Sharma later had talks with Samaraweera on the sidelines of the 34th session of the UNHRC underway in Geneva.

“Discussed the need to embed stability, reconciliation & justice in #SriLanka,”?Sharma tweeted on his meeting with? Samaraweera.

In his speech to the Council, Sharma said it was a privilege to be the first British Minister to address the Council since the United Kingdom?s re-election.

“To serve on the UN Human Rights Council is a great responsibility,” he said.

He said he wants to see the UN and its States deliver on the shared obligation to promote and strengthen human rights.

The Minister said UK will work in partnership with all those who want to make positive reforms?adding that the UK also stands ready to call out those responsible for the worst violations and abuses of human rights.

Earlier?Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera also spoke at the 34th session.?(Colombo Gazette)