- India has voiced worry over Sri Lanka’s poor progress in meeting its obligations to address the aspirations of the Tamil people.
- The envoy of India at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva emphasised the lack of development.
Tamil issue in Sri Lanka
- Violent persecution of the Tamil population erupted in Sri Lanka in the form of anti-Tamil pogroms in 1956, 1958, 1977, 1981, and 1983.
- Over 13 years after the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war, which killed and disappeared tens of thousands of civilians, survivors continue to demand justice and accountability for war crimes.
- Human rights activists in Sri Lanka have regularly expressed worries about the country’s ongoing militarization, particularly in the Tamil-majority north and east, as well as repression and a narrowing space for dissent in the post-war years.
Why are we debating this?
- Human Rights and Reconciliation: Despite the end of the war, the country still faces hurdles in reconciling ethnic tensions and maintaining human rights protection.
- Economic Crisis: In addition to its unresolved conflict, Sri Lanka has been hit by a severe economic crisis that began last year, putting a large percentage of its population at risk. Many households have experienced greater poverty and food insecurity as a result of the crisis.
Concerns of the United Nations Human Rights Council
- Political and Democratic changes: The UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasised the failure to execute political and democratic changes even a year after a large protest movement.
- Food Insecurity: According to the UN Human Rights Council, nearly 37% of households in Sri Lanka endure acute food insecurity, demonstrating the severity of the economic issues.
- Delays in holding local government elections and reconstituting Provincial Councils have hampered citizens’ political involvement and freedom of expression.
- Land Acquisition: A UN official expressed concern about rising tensions in Sri Lanka’s north and east as a result of land acquisition for military installations, conservation efforts at Hindu and Muslim shrines, and forestry protection.
India’s Position
- Power Devolution: India reiterated its support for the Tamil community’s aspirations for equality, justice, dignity, and peace.
- It also emphasised its commitment to Sri Lanka’s unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty by enacting the 13th Amendment.
The UN Review and Sri Lanka’s Reaction
- The UN Human Rights Council is currently examining Sri Lanka’s pledges, and no resolution will be voted on during this session.
- While recognising Sri Lanka’s initiatives in truth-seeking and reconciliation, the High Commissioner’s report emphasised the necessity for immediate confidence-building measures in order to achieve real reconciliation and transitional justice.
- The Sri Lankan government dismissed the report, calling prior UN Security Council decisions intrusive and divisive.
@the end
- India’s demand that Sri Lanka execute its obligations to satisfy Tamil aspirations underscores persistent worries about the country’s progress on reconciliation and human rights.
- The economic crisis and political reform delays have exacerbated the situation, prompting substantial steps to foster genuine reconciliation and transitional justice.
- The UN Human Rights Council review serves as an essential platform for assessing Sri Lanka’s actions in this area.
Source: https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-consistently-calling-upon-sri-lanka-to-fulfil-aspirations-of-tamil-people/articleshow/81549359.cms