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United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour
today expressed deep concern about the rising violence in Sri Lanka,
in particular the increasing killings of civilians, including
children. The victims have also included staff of humanitarian
agencies, which are facing increasing threats in their important
work.
"These violations are not only ceasefire violations, but also
serious breaches of international human rights and humanitarian
law", the High Commissioner said. She stressed that the Government
of Sri Lanka and LTTE have obligations beyond the Ceasefire
Agreement to respect basic human rights and humanitarian norms and
these obligations apply regardless of the status of the Ceasefire
Agreement and whether the country is at peace or war.
Paramount among these is respect for the right to life, said the
High Commissioner, noting the concerns raised by the Special
Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary killings in his
recent report about the targeting of both civilians and members of
the security forces taking no active part in hostilities.
A duty of the state in maintaining security and law and order is to
ensure crimes of this nature are properly investigated and punished,
whoever is responsible, she said.
The High Commissioner also expressed concern about recent threats
and obstruction to the work of the Sri Lankan Monitoring Mission and
urged the parties to give their fullest cooperation and reinforce
SLMM's capacity to respond to violations.
"I recommend that the Government of Sri Lanka seek international
police and forensic support for investigations into killings to
ensure justice and accountability", she said.
The High Commissioner urged the parties to take immediate steps to
de-escalate the violence, resume dialogue and strengthen the
monitoring and protection of human rights.
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