indi.ca

As far as I can tell, Sri Lanka is going to co-sponsor the re-worded UNHRC resolution on itself. Here’s what Ranil said via News First.

We will have a judicial mechanism, a Sri Lanka judicial mechanism, which will include office of a special counsel to inquire and investigate into it and there we will certainly have the help not only of Sri Lankans but of Commonwealth and foreign judges and lawyers, but all that has to be authorized by a law in Sri Lanka, it’s all done according to and under the Sri Lankan Constitution.

We have also stated, and we have all agreed, that we will implement a political solution and bring in the necessary Constitutional measures. So thereby I think one of the biggest issues facing our country in the last 5-6 years has been removed and we can face the future with confidence.

Reading the draft resolution (via the Daily Mirror), the relevant part seems to be this:

6. Takes note with appreciation of the Government of Sri Lanka’s proposal to establish a Judicial Mechanism with a Special Counsel…

Affirms that a credible justice process should include independent judicial and prosecutorial institutions led by individuals known for integrity and impartiality…

Further affirms in this regard the importance of participation in a Sri Lankan judicial mechanism, including the Special Counsel’s office, of Commonwealth and other foreign judges, defence lawyers, and authorized prosecutors and investigators;

7. Encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to reform its domestic law to ensure that it can effectively implement its own commitments.

My Comments

The objectionable thing in the earlier resolution was the hybrid court. I don’t see any country agreeing to be judged by some legal system outside of their Constitution, unless they were signed up for the International Criminal Court, which neither the US or Sri Lanka is.

The current resolution seems to call for international support under Sri Lankan law, as far as I can parse it.

Honestly, I wish that Sri Lanka could sponsor a resolution against US or Russian war crimes, but we don’t live in a world of complete fairness like that. At least maybe this process can let us be more fair to our fellow citizens, without compromising our military or sovereignty. I hope.