Sabry tells UNHRC not to allow ‘domestic vote bank’ politics to undermine its work

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, on Tuesday, told the UN Human Rights Council that its handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza would serve as a critical assessment of its credibility and called upon the Council to prioritise depoliticisation, foster constructive dialogue, and promote multilateral cooperation, emphasising the importance of avoiding double standards in their approach.

Minister Sabry said so, addressing the High-Level segment of the 55th Session of the Council through a pre-recorded video statement, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs..

Sabry urged the members of the UN Human Rights Council not to allow short-term political gains or “domestic vote bank politics” to overtake the work of the Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

The Foreign Minister said Sri Lanka rejects HRC resolutions 46/1 and 51/1 and the external evidence gathering mechanism established by these resolutions because such mechanisms are counterproductive and contradict the founding principles of the Council.

Minister Sabry provided an overview of the tangible progress made by the country on economic recovery, national unity and reconciliation and added that the cornerstone of this recovery lies in pragmatic policy decisions that prioritize the country’s welfare over short-term political gains.

The 55th Session of the Council takes place in Geneva from 26 February – 5 April 2024.

During this Session, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights will present an oral update on Sri Lanka on 04 March 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Himalee Arunatilaka will deliver Sri Lanka’s statement as the country concerned following the oral update by the High Commissioner, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.