Govt. expresses readiness to face 48th UNHRC session next month

The Government yesterday expressed confidence in facing the 48th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva next month.

“The Foreign Affairs Ministry, together with the Ambassadors, have held discussions in this regard. We remain steadfast as a country,” Co-Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said, responding to a query posed during the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

The draft program of work shows Sri Lanka is on the agenda of the opening day of the 48th UNHRC Session. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet is listed to present an oral update on Sri Lanka as the session opens on 13 September.

He said information on the real situation in Sri Lanka will be submitted to the council.

“However, dragging factors and concerns not related will be spoken about openly,” Rambukwella said.

In February, Sri Lanka announced withdrawal from the UNHRC Resolution 30/1 and others adopted after 2015, but assured members the Government is committed to “comprehensive reconciliation”, delivered through a domestic mechanism.