PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Sri Lanka: Human Rights (4 January 2019)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations the Government has made and to whom to ensure the government of Sri Lanka abides by UNHRC Resolution 30/1 agreed on 1st October 2015 at the 30th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Asked by:
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (Labour)

Since UNHRC 30/1 was established in 2015 we have repeatedly pressed the importance of the Government of Sri Lanka implementing its commitments under the UN Human Rights Council Resolution 30/1 and its follow-up Resolution 34/1. During my most recent visit to Colombo, in early October 2018, I again raised these commitments with Foreign Minister Marapana. I encouraged accelerated progress towards fulfilling these commitments, including the return of military-held private land, and the development of new counter-terrorism legislation in line with international human rights standards.

The British High Commission in Colombo is also in regular contact with the Government of Sri Lanka and other key stakeholders on the implementation of Resolution 30/1.

Lord Ahmad spoke at the September Human Rights Council in Geneva, encouraging further implementation of Sri Lanka's commitments in the area of devolution through constitutional reform, truth-seeking and accountability.

The United Kingdom has made a long-term commitment to improving human rights in Sri Lanka and is dedicated to supporting the rebuilding of the country after three decades of civil conflict. The UK is providing Sri Lanka with £8.3 million of Conflict, Stability and Security Fund funding over three years (2016-2019), including support for police reform and training, reconciliation and peace building, and demining in the north of the country.

Answered by:
Mark Field (Conservative)
14 January 2019