The Clock Starts Ticking 

• Pillay’s 27 point update draws strong reactions
• HR chief counters reference to UNHCR baseline survey
• Government hits back

By Easwaran Rutnam-Sunday, September 29, 2013

Navi Pillay

The government was put on notice last week by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay to either effectively address human rights related concerns by March 2014 or face an international investigation.

In a 27-point oral update to the UN Human Rights Council, Pillay had detailed out the failures of the government on various issues.

The government, however, was quick to reject her concerns, including her warning of a possible international probe, saying she has no mandate to make such a comment.

Pillay’s comments were backed later by several countries including the United States, the EU, Britain and Norway. Sri Lanka had the support of its closest allies in the form of China, Russia, Pakistan, Venezuela and Brazil.

Ravinatha Ariyasinghe and The Human Rights Council

The Clock Starts Ticking by nelvely