UK NGOs urge David Cameron to keep Sri Lanka promise

To coincide with Sri Lanka's statement during the High-Level Segment of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), The United Nations Association (UNA-UK) joined Freedom From Torture, Minority Rights Group , REDRESS and the Sri Lanka Campaign in urging the UK to push for a Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity and ongoing torture.

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The groups' letter to the UK Prime Minister urges him to stand by his call for an independent, international inquiry. It notes that the unresolved allegations, alongside serious ongoing human rights violations , are hindering progress towards reconciliation and a lasting peace. It points to a report on Sri Lanka prepared by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights , which recommends that an "international inquiry mechanism" be set up and questions whether any domestic body could carry out an impartial investigation, given current levels of executive interference.

The letter is part of a global campaign for an international investigation. Today, Desmond Tutu and other activists from countries that have experienced conflict joined hands in calling for Commission of Inquiry. An international petition is also gathering steam.

UNA-UK is particularly concerned that the lack of robust action to date is undermining the standing of the UN, which has already had to apologise for its handling of the crisis in 2008-09. Edward Mortimer, former UN Director of Communications and a supporter of this campaign, has said:

"I fear this may be the Organization's last chance to retrieve any credibility on Sri Lanka."