The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) has called for an immediate ceasefire in Sri Lanka, where the government forces continue military offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. An independent, non-partisan, international non- governmental organisation, mandated to ensure the practical realisation of human rights in the Commonwealth, the CHRI also appealed Colombo to permit access for the international observers and the media persons to the conflict zone of northern Sri Lanka.
The CHRI is alarmed at the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka, where it is reported that thousands of displaced civilians are trapped in an intensive military offensive within an estimated 60 square mile territory. Both (government forces and the LTTE) warring parties accuse the other of human rights violations, said Lucy Mathieson, the programme coordinator of the Commonwealth rights forum.
Talking to this writer from New Delhi, Lucy also revealed that concerned by the likelihood of enormous civilian casualty, allegations of war crimes and a generalised situation of impunity, the CHRI called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further casualties and also allow safe passage of civilians from combat areas.
“We are asking for permit access to aid workers, international observers and the media to monitor the situation and report on the factual situation,” Lucy added. The CHRI also calls for the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) to give urgent attention to the situation in the island nation.
The CMAG, a body mandated to check persistent violations of the fundamental values of the Commonwealth under the spirit of Harare Declaration, is meeting on 4th March (Wednesday). Its engagement and voice supposed to be an important step towards preventing further human rights violations and also ensuring safe passage for the civilians trapped in the combat area.
“Silence will inevitably lead to greater suffering, impunity and human rights violations. Despite the media blackout, reports indicate that the war is being fought in full-scale with regular air, artillery and naval assaults involving widely condemned weapons, such as cluster bombs. Civilian hospitals and declared safe zones have also been repeatedly attacked. Civilians caught in the cross-fire face the use of weapons and strikes that are designed to cause widespread, indiscriminate damage,” stated in a press release issued from the office of CHRI.
The recent reports suggest that civilians seeking to cross into safe territory have been shot at while seeking safe passage and being subject to further violations in holding facilities. Such circumstances indicate a strong likelihood of war crimes that will require investigation. This developing pattern of impunity will inevitably lead to the perpetration of further atrocities, the statement added.
Criticizing the mute response from international communities on Sri Lankan issues, the CHRI expresses dissatisfaction against the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The forum urges the Commonwealth members of the Council (Cameroon, Canada, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ghana, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Pakistan, South Africa, Zambia and the United Kingdom) to call for a special session to discuss about the situation in Sri Lanka.
|
|
Comments:
