TGTE request High Commissioner to present an “Oral Report” on Sri Lanka to Council in March 2015.

The TGTE has again written to all members of the UNHRC expressing concern and disappointment by the UNHRC High Commissioner, to delay an important report into human rights abuses in Sri Lanka. TGTE believes that the mandated resolutions of the UNHRC and Human Rights issues should never be compromised or dictated by any third party.

It also expressed its disappointment that the Tamil victims and witnesses were not consulted and UNHRC did not lay any conditions on the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL), to adhere for this delay, such as:

• allow unrestricted access for the OISL team into the NorthEast and to gather information from victims and witnesses

• access to AI, HRW and international media into Sri Lanka and the NorthEast.

• Strict adherence to protection for witnesses and victims and for Human Rights activists

• Release of all political prisoners

• Immediate release of all women and children from custody

• Provide list of all those in custody

• Release all land grabbed by the army

• Stop immediately the colonization and the structural genocide.

• Remove the army from the Tamil areas.

It stated that the new GoSL continues to prevent or accept UNHRC resolution to complete its mandate, and wants to promote another “Internal Domestic Commission”, with international technical input. This is a deliberate attempt to protect the past and current perpetrators from the international community, to slow down and delay the processes for accountability and justice for the victims, and should not be allowed to derail and undermine the UNHRC mandated OISL.

Only an Independent and credible comprehensive international investigation will be accepted by the victims, their dependents, to other victims worldwide waiting for justice and accountability and to safe guard humanity.

It is the believe and expectations of many that the OISL investigation, reporting and recommendation would be a strong deterrent to any current or future regimes, that war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide against minorities by state sponsored terrorism will be accounted for, and perpetrators will be brought to justice.

TGTE and Tamils worldwide still have faith and trust on the High Commissioner and the UNHRC, that this will be the once only “extension of time”, and that a final strong report with recommendations to Council will be presented and with a referral to ICC or UN security Council.

It also brought to their attention that:

• A mass rally of protest was held in Jaffna against the delay, and is expected to continue in various districts.

• Continuing genocidal intent – cultural and structural by the vast majority of Sinhala people and by Sri Lanka military, need to be stopped immediately.
• Continuing military presence to instil fear and terror on the people. Reports of human rights violation including rape by the Military & Para-Military.
• Preventing Humanitarian Assistance from the Tamil Diaspora
• Tamil Refugees(IDPs and from overseas ) are still waiting to return to their homes and land

• Restricted Political Space, PTA and 6^th Amendment is in place.

As such, TGTE believes, that an “Oral Report” be presented by the High Commissioner to Council in March, on the OISL findings so far, as per the original schedule, with considerations for any actions that need to be included or addressed for inclusion in the September report.

For further information contact moia@tgte.org