SRI LANKA, UNHRC 57th Session

Statement by a Russian representative during the interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Sri Lanka, 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
(September 9, 2024, Geneva)

We see no cause for concern regarding the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, where the authorities have shown readiness to engage in mutually respectful cooperation with international human rights mechanisms, despite the challenging political and economic conditions in the country.

Sri Lanka is gradually working to bring its national legislation in line with international human rights obligations, while improving its system of public governance. The country has made significant progress on the path to national reconciliation. Mechanisms are functioning to investigate human rights violations, and efforts are underway to return internally displaced persons to their permanent places of residence.

In this context, we share the Sri Lankan side's negative attitude towards the country-specific resolution adopted at the 51st Session of the HRC without its consent. The document exceeds the mandate of the Council, as it delves into economic issues. Moreover, certain provisions of the resolution that propose expanding the OHCHR's role in relation to this country contradict the universal principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign states. We believe that investigating violations and ensuring accountability should remain an exclusive prerogative of national authorities.