Sri Lanka Firmly Defends Sovereignty at UNHRC; Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

COLOMBO (News 1st); At the UN Human Rights Council, Sri Lanka stressed that the interference in the internal affairs of any sovereign country cannot, and should not, be tolerated.

Himalee Subhashini Arunatilaka, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka, highlighted critical concerns related to human rights, international law, and the credibility of the international human rights framework.

The Ambassador further addressed the polarization of the Council, cautioning against the politicization of human rights. She asserted that such polarization hinders the Council's ability to achieve its objectives. 

Instead, measures to protect human rights should be guided by the Council's founding principles and conducted through constructive dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect, taking into account national complexities and challenges.

Ambassador Arunatilaka raised concerns about the disproportionate scrutiny faced by nations in the global south. She criticized intrusive mechanisms that turn a blind eye to violations elsewhere, which ultimately erodes the Council's credibility. 

Unfortunately, she noted that Sri Lanka has been subject to continuous and disproportionate focus by the Human Rights Council, which she deemed unhelpful.

Despite these challenges, the Ambassador expressed appreciation for positive comments made by states acknowledging progress on the ground in Sri Lanka. 

In the context of protecting and promoting human rights in the global south, Sri Lanka reaffirmed its support for the One China principle. Additionally, she commended China's cooperation with human rights mechanisms.

Ambassador Arunatilaka began her comments by drawing attention to the dire situation in Gaza, where the disregard for human rights and international law is starkly apparent. She emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and effective measures to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need. The failure to address civilian suffering undermines the very foundations of the international human rights framework.

Ambassador Arunatilaka concluded by asserting that interference in the internal affairs of any sovereign country cannot and should not be tolerated.