China & North Korea back Sri Lanka at UNHRC

by Teena Marian 13-09-2022 | 10:19 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st); China said that it firmly supports Sri Lanka in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence, maintaining social stability and realizing economic recovery in a statement to the 51st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Monday (12) in Geneva.

Resolution 46/1 of the Human Rights Council is a product of politicization, said the Chinese delegate to the UNHRC adding that "It does not follow the principles of impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity. It has not been recognized by the countries concerned, and it has not played a positive role in promoting and protecting human rights in Sri Lanka."

China opposes any country taking advantage of the situation in Sri Lanka to seek self-interest, and urges relevant parties to respect the human rights development path that Sri Lanka has independently chosen according to its national conditions, and abandon the practice of using human rights issues to exert political pressure and interfere in Sri Lanka's internal affairs.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea commended the Government of Sri Lanka for its sincere efforts to promote and protect human rights by maintaining the security and stability restored and ensuring sustainable progress despite many challenges, and for its clear commitment to remain engaged with the UN system including the Human Rights Council.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea opposed and rejected country specific initiatives and resolutions that are confrontational and do not have the consent of the country concerned.

The resolution on Sri Lanka has set a dangerous precedent by requiring the OHCHR to take on the role of collecting criminal evidence with a view to future prosecution, a mandate that was never conferred on the OHCHR by any subsequent resolution of the General Assembly, said the North Korean delegate to the UNHRC.

Politically motivated pressure and biased approach is counter-productive that undermine the dialogue and cooperation for the genuine promotion and protection of human rights, the delegate added.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea urged the HRC and OHCHR to encourage genuine dialogue and cooperation with States, carry out work based on its mandate in an objective and impartial manner, and stand against politicization, selectivity and double standards of human rights.