UN rights chief says Sri Lanka heading in "authoritarian direction"
August 31, 2013 - United Nations’ human rights chief Navi Pillay hit out against
the Sri Lanka government on Saturday, saying that four years after the end of civil
war people were still suffering amid signs the country was headed in an authoritarian
direction. "It is important everyone realise that although the fighting is over,
the suffering is not," Pillay told a news conference at the end of a controversial
fact-finding mission to assess Sri Lanka's progress after the 26-year war between
the government and separatist Tamils. "I'm deeply concerned that Sri Lanka, despite
the opportunity provided by the end of the war to construct a new vibrant, all-embracing
state, is showing signs of heading in an increasingly authoritarian direction." Pillay
visited the former northern war zones in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and the eastern
district of Trincomalee, and met leaders in the capital of Colombo. The visit has
sparked demonstrations for and against her mission. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa
told the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday that his people believed
the U.N. is a biased organisation, and a report she was due to release next month
had already prejudged the country. A U.N. panel has said it has "credible allegations"
that both sides committed atrocities and war crimes, and singled out the government
for most of the blame. Pillay said the reconstruction and the redevelopment
are important achievements in the former war zones. "However, physical reconstruction
alone will not bring reconciliation, dignity, or lasting peace," Pillay said. "Clearly,
a more holistic approach is needed to provide truth, justice and reparations of people's
suffering during the war." She also said that she was concerned about the degree
to which the "military appears to be putting down roots and becoming involved in what
should be civilian activities, for instance education, agriculture and even tourism."
Pillay's visit followed a second U.S.-sponsored U.N. resolution in March this year
that urged Sri Lanka to carry out credible investigations into killings and disappearances
during the civil war, especially in the final stages. Sri Lanka has come under international
pressure to bring to book those accused of war crimes and boost efforts to reconcile
a polarised country. It has rejected the accusations of rights abuses, but Rajapaksa
last month ordered an inquiry into mass disappearances. (Source: Reuter)