Global Tamil Forum welcomes draft resolution on Sri Lanka, calls for implementation
Saturday, September 26, 2015
The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) has "cautiously" welcoming the draft resolution on Sri Lanka tabled at the UN Human Rights Council on 24th September, has called on implementing the resolution to serve justice to the victims of the war.
The London-based Tamil Diaspora organization said it has consistently called for an international accountability mechanism, and though the tabled resolution falls short, the proposed resolution still can lead to a credible accountability process with substantial international involvement.
The GTF noted that the text of the resolution is a product of a consensus endorsement including Government of Sri Lanka, and reflects the sometimes competing interests of a wide range of stakeholders.
Sri Lanka has decided to co-sponsor the draft resolution 'Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability and Human Rights' in the island nation, that was sponsored by the United States, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, and the UK.
The Tamil organization said it has always called the investigations to be against the allegations on both sides of the conflict.
"Victims of heinous crimes alleged to have been committed by both sides have waited for over six years for this process to reveal the truth and justice to be served. They sincerely hope that all stakeholders of this process including the international community will not let them down," GTF said in a statement.
While welcoming the Sri Lankan government's commitments, GTF noted that implementing the resolution and the recommendations of the OISL report of the High Commissioner will be the real test of progress, and not merely words.
"Victims of Sri Lanka's brutality have heard far too many words, and now deserve credible actions. The draft resolution gives the Government of Sri Lanka the opportunity to achieve that goal."
The GTF said it has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders on many issues of concern to the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, including governments all over the world, and more recently, even the new Government of Sri Lanka.
The organization said its continuous efforts have contributed to the outcomes of this week and expressed their gratitude to the UK, US and other European countries, all co-sponsors of the resolution and close friends within and outside Sri Lanka who helped drive the progress on accountability.
"We stand in solidarity with all those who fight for justice in Sri Lanka and outside, and hope that this week's result will be a step in the right direction."
"We would like to reaffirm GTF's strong commitment to ensure that this process will lead to true accountability and closure to all victims," the GTF said.
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