Friday, 28 March 2014 00:44
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US Secretary of State John Kerry reacted immediately to the adoption of the US resolution at the UNHRC, saying it reaffirms the commitment of the international community to support the Lankan Government to pursue reconciliation and respect for human rights and democratic governance.
“Today’s vote in the UNHRC sends a clear message: the time to pursue lasting peace and prosperity is now; justice and accountability cannot wait,” Secretary Kerry said in statement released last night.
Kerry said the US would continue to speak out in defence of the fundamental freedoms that all Sri Lankans should enjoy.
“We are deeply concerned by recent actions against some of Sri Lanka’s citizens, including detentions and harassment of civil society activists. Further reprisals against these brave defenders of human rights and the dignity of all Sri Lankan citizens would elicit grave concern from the international community,” the US Secretary of State said.
“The Sri Lankan people are resilient. They have demonstrated grit and determination through years of war. Now, they are demanding democracy and prosperity in years of peace. They deserve that chance,” his statement said.
