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New government of SL brings renewed hope for democracy and the rule of Law - Zeid Featured

June 16, 2015

The new Government in Sri Lanka has passed a constitutional amendment which, if implemented appropriately, brings renewed hope for democracy and the rule of law., Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said in his Opening Statement to the 29th Session of the Human Rights Council by the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

OHCHR will remain very engaged in discussions with the Sri Lankan authorities on the need for transparent and inclusive processes to develop credible mechanisms for accountability and reconciliation, ahead of my report to the September session, he added. He further said that he will encourage the Government to consult broadly with all political parties, civil society, and above all victims and their families, to ensure full national support and ownership of these processes.

 

The High Commissioner in his statement said, "The people of this world yearn desperately for decisive moral leadership from your leaders and your countries: a leadership based on principle, law and humility. And not just from your leaders. We in the UN must do so too. My own conduct, and the conduct of my Office, must always accord with the highest standards of professional integrity in relation to those who suffer. We must always be sensitive and act sensitively where their rights have been violated."