At the mercy of the hands that rock the UN

3 September 2013 07:17 pm Views - 2202

The UN Human Rights Commissioner came and went. Those who expected a dramatic exposure from her were disappointed. The war was a tragedy, not only for the Tamil people but also for the people in the South. It enhanced the path of enslavement to the global powers. It was an aggression and a conquest for those who believed in a Tamil homeland. Not only were the entire Vanni civilizations destroyed but also plunder of land, earth and other resources became the aim of the conquest. The Tamil national problem expanded in all directions and became an international problem. In spite of the ruthlessness of the LTTE there was recognition of a national oppression. However the UN Commissioner while emphasising that the LTTE was a murderous organisation that committed numerous crimes and destroyed many lives went on to say: “In fact, my only previous visit to Sri Lanka was to attend a commemoration of the celebrated legislator, peacemaker and scholar, Neelan Tiruchelvam, who was killed by an LTTE suicide bomb in July 1999. Those in the Diaspora who continue to revere the memory of the LTTE must recognise that there should be no place for the glorification of such a ruthless organisation.”  Not only Neelan, the LTTE killed people such as Annamalai who were dedicated liberation fighters. Anna won the respect of the Sinhala working class with his dedication to fight against all oppression. It was correct for her to indicate the mistakes of the Tamil fighters but how could she say “It is important everyone realises that, although the fighting is over, the suffering is not.”  If the suffering is there, inevitably the fighting will continue. Of course the method of terror could be rejected and mass struggle may become the path to follow.

"Physical reconstruction alone would not bring reconciliation, dignity, or lasting peace. Clearly, a more holistic approach is needed to provide truth, justice and reparations for the people’s suffering during the war"

Then the Commissioner says “These are important achievements, and I understand the government’s concern that they have perhaps not been sufficiently recognised. However, physical reconstruction alone would not bring reconciliation, dignity, or lasting peace. Clearly, a more holistic approach is needed to provide truth, justice and reparations for the people’s suffering during the war, and I have repeated my previous offer of OHCHR’s assistance in these areas. There are a number of specific factors impeding normalisation, which – if not quickly rectified – may sow the seeds of future discord. These are by and large to do with the curtailment or denial of personal freedoms and human rights, or linked to persistent impunity and the failure of the rule of law. From the very beginning, I have placed great hopes in Sri Lanka achieving true peace and reconciliation after the war.” True, she talks a lot but avoids making any comment on the national problem which I believe is the main human rights problem in Lanka. No amount of personal freedom or improvement of the rule of law is going to solve the Tamil national problem. Or am I mistaken? Maybe equality, autonomy and the right to self-determination do not come under the category of human rights!  

"My Office will closely examine that update and future developments in the implementation of the LLRC, and I will of course make reference to any genuine progress in my reports to the Human Rights Council"

I was relieved to see that she welcomed the LLRC report as an important step in the direction of reconciliation. She went on to say: “The Human Rights Council has expressed a strong interest in seeing progress in the implementation of the most important LLRC recommendations, and proper investigation of the many outstanding allegations and concerns. The LLRC report contains a broad range of excellent recommendations regarding concrete improvements on human rights, and I was interested to receive a briefing on the extent of the implementation of some of those recommendations from the Permanent Secretary to the President. My Office will closely examine that update and future developments in the implementation of the LLRC, and I will of course make reference to any genuine progress in my reports to the Human Rights Council.” Of course the implementation of the LLRC recommendations is the minimum demand and it is included in the Force for Unity movement document too. TNA leaders too agreed to consider this as the immediate necessity. LLRC contains a valuable discussion on the Tamil national problem which indeed could be a starting point for a unity with power sharing.

"True, she talks a lot but avoids making any comment on the national problem which I believe is the main human rights problem in Lanka"

This whole drama indicates again that the UN or its appendages are not independent bodies attached to a genuine world democracy. The fact remains that the UN is dominated by the global powers. As such, as long as the Rajapaksa  regime is working according to the guidelines provided by the IMF, no UN body would take a step that could harm the regime.