- United States sponsored a resolution in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) against Sri Lanka for an international probe into purported rights violations in Ealam IV war. India, along with Japan and Vietnam abstained from voting on it, while Saudi, UAE, Pakistan voted against it. This could serve as a signal for significant shifts in India’s decision-making.
- UNHRC resolution (A/HRC/25/L.1/Rev.1) recalls the LLRC’s recommendations to investigate allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, demilitarize the north of Sri Lanka, implement impartial land dispute resolution mechanisms, re-evaluate detention policies, strengthen formerly independent civil institutions, reach a political settlement on the devolution of power to the provinces, promote and protect the right of freedom of expression for all persons.
- The resolution seems to be ambiguous in that it thrusts upon Sri Lanka to adopt the findings of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) which was appointed by Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa in May 2010, while ordering another probe into the same allegations.
- Proposing penal measures against the Sri Lanka government until it adopts and acts on the LLRC’s recommendations is more necessary than an additional probe into the allegations.
- Unfortunately, political consideration, rather than principle is why India opted for abstention. In 2012 and 2013, under pressure from DMK and other political parties in Tamil Nadu, India voted for the resolution. While in 2013, DMK withdrew support to the government because India had not enforced more rigorous measures against Sri Lanka in the resolution.
- India has acknowledged progress in its reconciliation process with Sri Lanka after elections were conducted in Northern Provinces. This serves as a manifestation of India’s regional influence.
- Human rights organizations have been critical of the vote, expecting a firm answer from India, but the effect is significant as the Lankan government’s gesture to free all captured fishermen as a goodwill gesture.
Exams Perspective:
- India Sri lanka Bilateral Relations
- UNHRC
- Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC)