Sri Lanka

25 Feb

Question

Sri Lanka

The House of Commons' Question session dealt with accountability for alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka post-civil war. Mr. Paul Kohler (Liberal Democrats, Wimbledon) raised concerns about long-standing impunity regarding targeting of civilians and sexual violence perpetrated during the conflict. He urged that the UK government impose sanctions on alleged perpetrators, following allies like the US and Canada in applying penalties.

15 years

Time since the end of Sri Lanka's civil war with unresolved war crimes accountability.

October 2024

Date when the UK led a resolution at the UN HRC to maintain oversight on Sri Lanka's human rights situation.

Catherine West responded by affirming UK's leadership in international human rights efforts. She highlighted the October 2024 resolution obtained by the UK and its core group partners at the UN Human Rights Council, ensuring continued monitoring and evidence preservation by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. This setup includes considering various accountability measures, notably sanctions, with evidence collections ongoing for potential sanctions-designation.

Outcome

The debate underscored renewed commitment to addressing alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka, with UK officials assuring further international cooperation and potential sanction considerations. However, no new immediate actions or sanctions were committed during this session.

Key Contributions

Mr Paul Kohler

Liberal Democrats

Called on the UK government to impose sanctions on individuals accused of war crimes in Sri Lanka, following allies like the US and Canada.

Catherine West

Confirmed UK's involvement in a UN HRC resolution on Sri Lanka, emphasizing evidence preservation and considering justice and accountability options, including sanctions.

Original Transcript

Mr Paul Kohler

Wimbledon

Question

UIN: 902816

15. If he will take diplomatic steps to help ensure accountability for alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

Catherine West

The UK Government are committed to human rights in Sri Lanka and are leading international efforts to promote accountability and human rights, including at the UN Human Rights Council. In a visit to Sri Lanka last month, I raised these issues with Ministers in the new Government in Colombo.

Mr Kohler

It is over 15 years since the end of the bloody civil war in Sri Lanka, but those responsible for the many war crimes committed during that conflict, including the targeting of civilians and sexual violence, have still not been held accountable.

In opposition, the Foreign Secretary called on the Government to follow the example of our allies, including the US and Canada, in imposing sanctions against individuals suspected of committing these appalling acts. Now he is in government, will he commit to finally doing so?

Catherine West

In October 2024, the UK and our core group partners got a resolution on Sri Lanka in the UN Human Rights Council, outlining just what the hon. Member says.

It renewed the mandate of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to report regularly on Sri Lanka, and to protect and preserve evidence to use in future accountability processes.

We consider a range of justice and accountability options, including sanctions, and keep evidence for any potential designations under close review.

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