South Asia director of Human Rights Watch, Meenakshi Ganguly on Friday welcomed the passing of the US-backed resolution seeking probe into Sri Lankan war crimes at the UN Human Rights Council. She said that victims and activists in Sri Lanka had striven courageously for accountability and justice.
"The UN Human Rights Council has passed the Sri Lanka resolution by a vote of 23 in favor, 12 against and 12 abstentions. There will now be an independent investigation into allegations of laws of war violations and other serious abuses by both sides during the conflict in Sri Lanka," said Ganguly.
"This is a welcome decision, and one that will encourage victims and activists in Sri Lanka who have strived so courageously for accountability and justice. India chose to abstain, but should now encourage Sri Lanka to cooperate with the UN human rights office to put this resolution into motion.",she said.
India abstained from voting for the US-backed resolution seeking probe into Sri Lankan war crimes at the UN Human Rights Council on Thursday.
"We have voted differently on this resolution. It is very different from previous resolutions and imposes an international investigation mechanism. It is an intrusive approach that undermines national sovereignty," said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin.
"As a close neighbor, we cannot remain untouched by developments in Sri Lanka.We are aware that while significant steps have been taken, much more needs to be done by Sri Lankan government," he said.
"But International efforts should aim to enable Sri Lanka to investigate allegations of human rights violation through a comprehensive, independent and credible national mechanism and bring to justice those found guilty. In our view, adopting an intrusive approach that undermines national sovereignty and institutions is counterproductive," he added.
Although, India refrained from voting against its neighbour, the resolution was passed with the support of 23 nations.
