Importantly, this rare public disapproval of Sri Lanka’s actions, or inaction, as the case may be, is the island nation’s decision to allow a Chinese “spy vessel” to dock at Hambantota port, despite objections raised by India. follows.
Official sources said that although India’s overall position on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka has not changed and two “fundamental” views for India support Sri Lankan Tamils for justice, dignity and peace and the other, unity, stability and regional Sri Lanka. The integrity of India does not see the two views as mutually exclusive.
Also taking a dig at China, which has been blamed by many for Sri Lanka’s woes, the government said the economic crisis in the Indian Ocean country has demonstrated the limits of the debt-driven economy and its impact on living standards. India alone has given assistance of $ 3.8 billion to Lanka to help deal with this crisis. India had also recently issued an advisory asking Indian citizens to exercise caution while traveling to Sri Lanka. This has apparently led to a 20 per cent drop in tourist arrivals from India, while Lanka is looking to India to boost its tourism sector.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva IM Pandey, participating in a debate, said, “India has always believed in the responsibility of states for the promotion and protection of human rights and for constructive international dialogue and cooperation guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter. Is.” Sri Lanka during the ongoing 51st session of the Human Rights Council.
“In this regard, the Indian delegation notes with concern the lack of measurable progress by the Government of Sri Lanka on its commitments to a political solution to the ethnic issue- through the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, Delegation of Powers provincial councils And conduct provincial council elections as soon as possible.”
The government also reiterated India’s “consistent” approach on peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, which was for a political solution within the framework of a united Sri Lanka, ensuring “justice, peace, equality and dignity” for Sri Lankan Tamils.
“It is in the best interest of Sri Lanka to build the capacity of its citizens and work towards their empowerment, for which devolution of power at the grassroots level is a pre-requisite. In this regard, through the expeditious conduct of elections. The conduct of the provincial councils will enable all the citizens of Sri Lanka to achieve their aspirations for a prosperous future,” the official said.
Caught between pressure from political parties in Tamil Nadu and fears of giving China a strategic location, successive governments in India voted in favor of or avoided resolutions at the UNHRC demanding accountability for alleged war crimes and human rights violations. has fluctuated. It avoided voting on such a resolution last year, even though China, Pakistan voted against it.
In 2012 and 2013, India voted in favor of similar proposals, but in 2014 refrained from voting on a resolution to investigate alleged war crimes.