Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) – A group of international NGOs and civil society sectors in Sri Lanka have refused to form part of the National Reconciliation Commission, established by the Government of President Rajapaksa (the "Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission," LLRC), accusing the President of "lack of credibility."
International associations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and the International Crisis Group, wrote an open letter to the government, claiming to be willing to participate in a process of genuine reconciliation, transparent and credible, and noting that the Commission has no such requirements.
The position held by the NGOs is finding increasing support among civil society associations - in Sri Lanka and other Asian countries - which in recent months have criticized the work of the government, the change of the Constitution, the lack of law, and justice in society.
According to the sponsoring organizations, the Commission not only does not meet the minimum standards of independence and impartiality, but it could also become an instrument to ensure the continuing impunity and the abuse of human rights. Despite the "litany of complaints," recorded in months past for the lack of respect for human rights - the NGOs say - no progress has been made since the end of the civil war.
Although several witnesses have given evidence on human rights violations committed by the national army, says the letter, the Commission has not shown any interest in investigating these issues, which are crucial for building justice, peace, and development in the country. The problem, it says, is that members of the Commission are not independent, but are government representatives.
NGOs also have sounded the alarm for the lives of witnesses, who could be considered "traitors", as they support the accusations against the armed forces, and, therefore, require adequate protection.
In this situation, while the country remains under a "state of emergency" that does not guarantee normal legality, which punishes political dissent, there are no basic conditions - claim the NGOs - to conduct a serious investigation on abuse and effective work for reconciliation. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 03/11/2010)
