Promotion and Protection of HR must conform to UN Charter - Sri Lanka
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- Published on Tuesday, 26 February 2013 15:22
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Sri Lanka recalled that the promotion and protection of human rights
as enshrined in the Vienna Declaration & Programme of Action (VDPA)
should be carried out in conformity with the purposes and principles
of the UN Charter, and norms governing international relations.
Intervening during the high level panel on VDPA at the Human Rights
Council 22nd Session, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Permanent Representative
Manisha Gunasekera stated: “Sri Lanka recalls that the promotion and
protection of human rights as enshrined in the VDPA should be carried
out in a spirit of cooperation, mutual respect and dialogue, and in
conformity with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and
norms governing international relations.”
She also said: “Sri Lanka therefore believes that the VDPA with its
emphasis on cooperation and dialogue, continues to maintain its
relevance, now more than ever, and we look forward to working with the
Council to further enhance its effective implementation in the
forthcoming years.”
The Full Statement:
Statement by Sri Lanka
Human Rights Council 22nd Session
High Level Panel on Vienna Declaration & Programme of Action
Mr. President,
Sri Lanka welcomes the High Level Panel to commemorate the twentieth
anniversary of the adoption of the Vienna Declaration & Programme of
Action (VDPA), and thanks the panelists for their insightful
observations. We are pleased to have co-sponsored the resolution 21/20
on the convening of this important panel discussion with a particular
focus on its implementation, achievements, best practices and
challenges.
Sri Lanka is particularly mindful of the VDPA's affirmation of the
universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of
human rights which denotes the equal importance of civil and political
rights and economic, social and cultural rights.
A landmark of the VDPA is its reaffirmation of the right to
development, as a universal and inalienable right, and an integral
part of fundamental human rights.
The strengthening of the promotion and protection of the rights of
women and children, minorities and indigenous peoples through the VDPA
is noteworthy.
Sri Lanka is party to 7 core international human rights instruments
and several protocols, and is signatory to the Convention on
Disabilities. The country has given internal effect to the
international treaties via enabling domestic legislation.
Concerted policies and initiatives adopted by successive governments
since independence have resulted in significant progress in health,
education, poverty reduction and employment generation. It is
noteworthy that Sri Lanka has near universal school enrollment of
children without gender discrimination, and one of the highest
literacy rates in South Asia.
In conclusion Mr. President,
Sri Lanka recalls that the promotion and protection of human rights as
enshrined in the VDPA should be carried out in a spirit of
cooperation, mutual respect and dialogue, and in conformity with the
purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and norms governing
international relations.
Sri Lanka therefore believes that the VDPA with its emphasis on
cooperation and dialogue, continues to maintain its relevance, now
more than ever, and we look forward to working with the Council to
further enhance its effective implementation in the forthcoming years.
I thank you
