UNHCHR Concerned Over Increasing Number of Civilian Killings

UNITED NATIONS

Press Release

UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS EXPRESSES

CONCERN OVER INCREASING NUMBER OF KILLINGS

OF CIVILIANS IN SRI LANKA

23 May 2006

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour today expressed deep concern about the rising violence in Sri Lanka, in particular the increasing killings of civilians, including children. The victims have also included staff of humanitarian agencies, which are facing increasing threats in their important work.

"These violations are not only ceasefire violations, but also serious breaches of international human rights and humanitarian law", the High Commissioner said. She stressed that the Government of Sri Lanka and LTTE have obligations beyond the Ceasefire Agreement to respect basic human rights and humanitarian norms and these obligations apply regardless of the status of the Ceasefire Agreement and whether the country is at peace or war.

Paramount among these is respect for the right to life, said the High Commissioner, noting the concerns raised by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary killings in his recent report about the targeting of both civilians and members of the security forces taking no active part in hostilities.

A duty of the state in maintaining security and law and order is to ensure crimes of this nature are properly investigated and punished, whoever is responsible, she said.

The High Commissioner also expressed concern about recent threats and obstruction to the work of the Sri Lankan Monitoring Mission and urged the parties to give their fullest cooperation and reinforce SLMM's capacity to respond to violations.

"I recommend that the Government of Sri Lanka seek international police and forensic support for investigations into killings to ensure justice and accountability", she said.

The High Commissioner urged the parties to take immediate steps to de-escalate the violence, resume dialogue and strengthen the monitoring and protection of human rights.

(http://www.unhchr.ch/

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