Govt. to oppose UNHRC resolution 51/1: Foreign Minister

By Ajith Siriwardana

Sri Lanka will continue to oppose the 51/1 resolution of the draft resolution of the United Nations Human Rights Council at the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council to be held tomorrow, Cabinet Spokesman Vijitha Herath said yesterday.   

He told the weekly briefing to announce Cabinet decisions that the Cabinet decided to strongly oppose the 51/1 resolution of the draft resolution of the United Nations Human Rights Council and will not agree to any resolution that extends the powers of the collection of external evidence mechanism.   

The Minister said even though the said proposal has been denied, Sri Lanka has firmly believed to take action in respect of main human right issues including reconciliation through local procedure.   

“The government will take new action to ensure the protection of human rights. We have proposed new actions in our election manifesto in that regard. We will brief the UNHRC on this matter,” he said.   

“Sri Lanka will continue to engage in the cooperative and meaningful discussions with the Human Rights Council and regular human rights mechanisms,” the Minister added.