Trump administration takes note of UNHRC action on Sri Lanka

The Trump administration today slammed the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) over the manner in which it deals with some countries and also took note of the action taken by the UNHRC on Sri Lanka.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Erin Barclay said that action by the Council catalyzed progress for reform and provided technical assistance to improve accountability for past violations in Sri Lanka.

She said that when the Council functions properly, it has the ability to remind states of their commitments and obligations?and can hold countries accountable for the same.

“When the Council works as it should, its successes are victories for human rights,”?Barclay told the UN Human Rights Council during the 34th session today.

The comments made by the US at the UNHRC was the first since?Donald Trump took oaths as the President of the US this year.

“In order for this Council to have any credibility, let alone success, it must move away from its unbalanced and unproductive positions,” she said.

She said that in order for the Council to have any credibility, let alone success, it must move away from its unbalanced and unproductive positions.

“As we consider our future engagements, my government will be considering the Council?s actions with an eye toward reform to more fully achieve the Council?s mission to protect and promote human rights. ?Building greater credibility of the HRC will increase our ability to help create a better world for individuals in all countries. ?Together, by turning our attention consistently to the most critical human rights situations, we can make progress and help this body fulfill its mandate to make the world a better, safer place,” she added.

The United States is currently an elected member of the 47-state Geneva forum where its three-year term ends in 2019.?(Colombo Gazette)