Human Rights Watch said that If India wants to support Sri Lankans, it must back extension of UN panel probing rights violations.
Meenakshi Ganguly, the South Asia Director for Human Rights Watch said that the recent protests, although sparked by the economic crisis, reflected a more united call for good governance and accountability.
She noted that many Sri Lankans seek constitutional reform and steps to address corruption. But this will need international support and action.
A resolution currently before the United Nations Human Rights Council extends the mandate of a UN project to gather and analyse evidence of war crimes and other crimes under international law that have been committed in Sri Lanka and to prepare the evidence for use in possible future prosecutions.
It also mandates the United Nations to continue monitoring and reporting on the country’s economic and social rights crisis.
The Human Rights Watch said that in order to support Sri Lankans who are calling for change and accountability, it is essential for India and other members of the Council to support the resolution.