Sri Lanka to Address 60th UNHRC Session in Geneva

The 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) begins today (8) in Geneva and will continue until October 8.

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, is scheduled to deliver a special statement on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka during the session. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that he will also hold discussions with several high-level diplomats on the sidelines of the Council meetings.

A special meeting between UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and Minister Vijitha Herath has also been scheduled.

Former Human Rights Commissioner Professor Prathibha Mahanamahewa highlighted the significance of this session for Sri Lanka, revealing that a draft resolution concerning the country was submitted to the Foreign Ministry about a month ago.

Meanwhile, the Government of Sri Lanka has submitted its official response to the report presented by High Commissioner Volker Türk, following his recent visit to the island.

In its statement, the Government rejected external interventions, noting:

“Sri Lanka observes that external initiatives will only serve as hindrances to the ongoing national efforts and serve to polarise the population… The Government has the mandate to and is firmly and sincerely committed to working towards a country that respects and celebrates the diversity of its people with no division or discrimination based on race, religion, class and caste.”

The statement further affirmed Sri Lanka’s resolve to prevent the resurgence of extremism and racism, while calling for the understanding and support of the international community as the nation continues its domestic reconciliation efforts.