Sri Lanka looking for Indian Support ahead “46th Session of UNHRC”

What is the News?

46th session of the UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council) will start next week. Sri Lanka has officially sought India’s support for its nation’s rights and accountability record.

About past UNHRC resolution

• In 2015, UNHRC had adopted a resolution on accountability for the alleged human rights violations during the Sri Lankan civil war.
• The resolution was adopted against the accusation of killing at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians by the Sri Lankan army. This 37-year guerrilla war ended in May 2009.
• The resolution had called upon Sri Lanka to establish a credible judicial process. This process requires the participation of the Commonwealth and other foreign judges, defence lawyers and authorised prosecutors and investigators to look into the alleged rights abuses.
• However, the current Sri Lankan government has officially withdrawn from the resolution.

Present Status:

• During the 46th UNHRC session in Geneva, Sri Lanka’s record in human rights and related accountability will be probed.
• It is expected that a tougher resolution will be passed. This resolution may call for action against Sri Lanka.

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

• The UNHRC is a United Nations body established in 2006. It replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
• Aim: To promote and protect human rights around the globe. Apart from that, the UNHRC also investigates alleged human rights violations in countries.
• Members: The council has 47 members elected for a 3-year term.
• Meeting: The members meet around three times a year to debate human rights issues.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Resolutions: The UNHRC resolutions are not legally binding but carry moral significance.

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 Source: The Hindu