Statement by India at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group 28^th Session (6-17 November 2017) : 3rd UPR of Sri Lanka – Interactive Dialogue. [Geneva, 15 November 2017]

Mr. Vice President,

1. India welcomes the presentation of Sri Lanka’s National Report. 

2. India commends Sri Lanka for its commitment to finding solutions to national issues including complex post-armed conflict challenges of peace and reconciliation. We are happy to note that there are several encouraging developments on the issue of resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), rehabilitation of ex-combatants, demining of land and reconstruction activities, especially in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. India also welcomes establishment of the Office of Missing Person by Sri Lanka.

3. India will remain fully engaged in assisting Sri Lanka in its resettlement and rehabilitation efforts and in its reconstruction activities. We would like to encourage Sri Lanka for the speedy resolution of the residual issues pertaining to the resettlement and rehabilitation process.

4. India welcomes Sri Lanka’s enactment of the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witness Act 2015, which sets out rights and entitlements of victims of crime and witnesses.

5. We recommend that Sri Lanka pursue its initiative to include the subject of ‘human rights’ in its education curriculum as it would facilitate national reconciliation by building trust and confidence in society.

6.  India believes in a meaningful devolution of powers, building on the 13^th Amendment and hopes that Sri Lanka will take necessary action to take this political process forward. India- being a fellow developing country – understands the challenges and constraints faced by Sri Lanka in promoting and protecting human rights.

7. We wish the delegation of Sri Lanka all success.

Thank you.