March 25, 2014 - The Honourable Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, is visiting Geneva, Switzerland, on March 25 and 26, 2014, to address the human rights situation in Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council.
“Canada will continue to press for tangible progress on post-conflict reconciliation and accountability,” said Mr. Obhrai. “Failure to address such issues risks undermining stability and prosperity in Sri Lanka. Canada will continue to express concerns over current human rights abuses and violations in Sri Lanka, including arbitrary detentions and reprisals against activists.
“Canada has been calling for a strong resolution on Sri Lanka that includes a call for an independent investigation into alleged violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties during the period covered by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission.”
A backgrounder follows.
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Canada will continue to pursue these issues through bilateral and multilateral channels and to offer appropriate assistance to Sri Lanka. Canada appeals to the Government of Sri Lanka to collaborate with the Council, engage constructively with the High Commissioner’s report and accept the assistance offered to it by her office.
