The European Union (EU) at its foreign ministers meeting today at Brussels reiterated the need for all parties to a conflict to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law called for the alleged violations of these laws to be investigated through an independent inquiry. Those accountable must be brought to justice, EU said in its report on Sri Lanka.
The EU said it was "appalled" by the loss of innocent civilian lives as a result of the conflict and by the high numbers of casualties, including children, following recent intense fighting in northern Sri Lanka. The fighting must stop now, and all parties should take all necessary steps to prevent further loss of life EU said. The EU underscores that fighting terrorism must be done in full respect for the rule of law and Human Rights.
The EU Foreign Ministers urged the Government of Sri Lanka to take, without delay, all necessary steps to facilitate the evacuation of the remaining civilians out of the conflict zone, as well as the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance to them, in line with its obligation to protect all people under its jurisdiction.
It also called for the civilian nature of the internment camps for internally displaced persons, it reitterated that, freedom of movement and early return for IDPs should be ensured; full and unhindered access to all IDPs must be guaranteed and current restrictions on the humanitarian aid agencies, such as visa and checkpoint problems, should be removed.
The EU wanted the Government of Sri Lanka to give the ICRC a monitoring role and share with them lists of persons screened by the Government while leaving the conflict zone.
The EU expressed its deep concern about the human rights situation, and said it considers that ensuring respect of media freedom is crucial. It welcomed the work being undertaken by the UN Special Rapporteurs and said it joins their call for thorough monitoring of developments.
"The EU continues to call for appropriate action by the United Nations Human Rights Council," the report said.
The EU further reiterated its call on the Government of Sri Lanka and all parties to urgently proceed towards a comprehensive political process. The long-term security, post-conflict reconstruction and said prosperity of Sri Lanka can only be achieved through an inclusive political solution, based on consent, equality and rule of law, which the EU stands ready to support. It called on all parties to engage without delay in a political process to address the legitimate concerns of all Sri Lanka's communities.
Speaking to Reporters:
"I'm very relieved that at least it seems that the heaviest fighting is over. At the same time, the situation of the civilians is still very difficult and fragile," "We know there are still people in the war zone and many have come out. What is very important now is that the UN can have full access there," said EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner.
Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bidlt, who was refused visa to sri Lanka in late April said that "there must be immediate access for international humanitarian organizations, the UN organizations and the International Committee of the Red Cross because tens of thousands of people are really in desperate need of help." Sweden will assume the rotating EU presidency in July.
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said a proper investigation of abuses was needed, "There have been very grave allegations on all sides."
News edited by Tamil National [
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