UN top rights body attempts to take on Sri Lankan rights abuses

In 2009 more than 100,000 people were killed in Sri Lanka by government forces during the conflict with the Tamils. In May 2009 the UN "Human Rights" Council adopted a one-sided resolution praising the Sri Lanka government for respecting human rights during the conflict.

In 2012 the Council adopted a resolution which considered a "report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission," a commission of inquiry appointed by the Sri Lankan president. It merely requested the Office of the High Commissioner to present a report on "on advice and technical assistance for the Government of Sri Lanka on promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka."

In 2013 the Council adopted a resolution which considered that report of the High Commissioner and "expressed concern at the continuing reports of violations of human rights in Sri Lanka.

In 2014 - five years after the criminal acts - the Council has introduced an international element into the inquiry. The resolution, entitled "Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka," and adopted on March 27, 2014, requests the Office of the High Commissioner "to undertake a comprehensive investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka during the period covered by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, and to establish the facts and circumstances of such alleged violations and of the crimes perpetrated with a view to avoiding impunity and ensuring accountability, with assistance from relevant experts and special procedures mandate holders".

The text also calls upon the government of Sri Lanka to investigate itself some more. It "calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to conduct an independent and credible investigation into allegations of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law," leaving the door open for more foot dragging on the part of Sri Lanka.