London, 27 March 2012 - "Accountability is paramount for any long-term sustainable political solution in Sri Lanka. An International independent investigation into War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity committed during the final stages of the war in Sri Lanka in 2009 is essential for this", said British All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils (APPGT) today in a statement. It also sent a strong message to those who intimidated and threatened the members of NGOs undertaking human rights activities in the very council.

The APPGT visited the UN Human Rights Council while the 19th session was in progress. The session was attended by Lee Scott MP Ilford North Chair; Siobhain McDonough MP Mitcham and Morden Vice Chair; Tom Brake MP Carshalton and Wallington and John Mann MP Bassetlaw.

Full statement:

All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils (APPGT) statement on the United Nations Human Rights Council 19th session resolution on Sri Lanka [A/HRC/19/L.2]

APPGT welcome the United Nations Human Rights Council on successfully adopting a resolution on Sri Lanka. We see this as a first step towards an international effort to bring sustainable peace in the Island.

The session was attended by representatives of APPGt – Lee Scott MP Ilford North Chair; Siobhain McDonough MP Mitcham and Morden Vice Chair; Tom Brake MP Carshalton and Wallington and John Mann MP Bassetlaw. All the MPS took part in several meetings with delegates from several countries outlining the situation and conveying the requirement for supporting the resolution.

We have watched the most harrowing footages of War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity on Channel 4’s documentary last week titled “Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields: War Crimes Unpunished”. The documentary presents a basis for an investigation and the subsequent prosecution of those responsible for these heinous crimes.

Accountability is paramount for any long-term sustainable political solution in Sri Lanka. An International independent investigation into War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity committed during the final stages of the war in Sri Lanka in 2009 is essential for this.

The All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils wants to send a strong message to those who intimidated and threatened the members of NGOs undertaking human rights activities in the very council and we will take this up as one of our highest priorities.