The latest Universal Periodic Review (UPR) showed a drastic drop in recommendations to Sri Lanka on improving its Human Rights situation at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, last week.
Diplomatic sources said that this positive development at the periodical peer review at the UN Human Rights Council might be an indication that the country has moved up its human rights record.
A Foreign Ministry release issued yesterday stated the country received 230 recommendations from member states at its third UPR. This was a drastic drop from the 303 recommendations during its 2nd review five years ago.
Of the 230 recommendations, Sri Lanka has accepted 177 recommendations and noted 53. There were 12 voluntary pledges.
National Policies and Economic Affairs Deputy Minister Deputy Minister Harsha de Silva, who led the delegation to Geneva making his closing remarks on Friday, said the government considered the UPR process as an important mechanism for the country. “It is a process of self-reflection and improvement, which will continue after the adoption of our Report today,” he said. The government prepared a comprehensive National Human Rights Action Plan outlining its obligations for the five years from 2018.
Deputy Minister De Silva who was the former Deputy Foreign Minister said the government will find unique and constructive ways to implement the recommendations, involving the civil society and all stakeholders.
The Sri Lanka review was conducted by a Troika comprising Burundi, the Republic of Korea, and Venezuela. The UPR on Sri Lanka commenced on Wednesday (15) and the working group report was adopted on Friday (17).