India must take steps to strengthen US-sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka

R. Balaji Updated - March 18, 2013 at 03:54 PM.

She said the ongoing session of the Human Rights Council is the appropriate forum to mount pressure on Sri Lanka.

India should strongly support the US-sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka in the 22nd session of the UN Human Rights Council and take steps to strengthen the resolution, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa said today in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

In the letter, a copy of which was released to the media, she said India should move “independent amendments to further strengthen the resolution” and take a strong stand.

UNHRC session

She said the ongoing session of the Human Rights Council is the appropriate forum to mount pressure on Sri Lanka and hold it accountable under an international framework for war crimes and genocide in the closing stages of the civil war and continuing human rights abuses against the Sri Lankan Tamils.

It is also an opportunity to secure for Sri Lankan Tamils equal constitutional rights and a life of dignity.

“India must take a strong, historic and courageous stance in this matter and not just support the US sponsored Draft Resolution on Promoting Reconciliation and Accountability in Sri Lanka, but strengthen it further through suitable amendments,” she said.

She requested the Prime Minister to ensure Indian diplomats strongly push for independent amendments since the final draft is to be placed for consideration before the council on March 19.

Published on March 18, 2013 07:15