India Votes Against Sri Lanka at Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council

India on March 23 voted in favour of a US-sponsored resolution at the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka during the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, but worked to push “significant amendments” so that Colombo’s “sovereignty” was respected.

The resolution was adopted with 24 votes in favour to 15 against. China, Bangladesh,Maldives, Russia,Kuwait ,Saudi Arabia and Indonesia were among those who voted against.

India’s vote came after DMK pressure prompted the Prime Minister to say that he was “inclined” to vote for the resolution.

India did not participate in the debate, but voted with countries likeAustria,Belgium, the CzechRepublic, Italy, Spain ,Switzerland andUruguay.

The resolution’s opponents stated that the timing was not correct, adding that only three years had passed after the LTTE war ended and Sri Lanka needed more time to continue with its domestic process.

About UNHRC:

• The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 March 2006 by resolution 60/251. Its first session took place from 19 to 30 June 2006.
• The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe .
•  It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at  Geneva.
• The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly. The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.