The 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) commenced today (8) in Geneva and will run until October 8.
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, is scheduled to deliver a special statement on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka during the session. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that he will also hold bilateral discussions with several high-level diplomats on the sidelines of the Council meetings.
A key engagement during the session will be a meeting between UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Minister Herath.
Former Human Rights Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Professor Prathibha Mahanamahewa, emphasized the importance of this session for Sri Lanka, noting that a draft resolution concerning the country had been submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about a month ago.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Government has submitted its official response to the High Commissioner’s report presented following his recent visit to Colombo.
In its response, the Government stated that external initiatives could hinder national reconciliation efforts and deepen divisions within society. It rejected the conclusions and recommendations in the report regarding international action.
“The Government of Sri Lanka is firmly committed to building a nation that respects and celebrates diversity, free from divisions based on race, religion, class, or caste,” the statement said. It further assured that no space would be left for the resurgence of racism or extremism.
The Government also reiterated that while it remains committed to advancing domestic processes, it values the “understanding, encouragement, and support” of the international community as the country moves forward.
