Lanka needs international probe - UN HR chief

The United Nations human rights chief maintained Monday thatSri Lankaneeded an international probe into the government’s final offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels last year.

Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted that the Sri Lankagovernment had created a post-war reconciliation commission to look into alleged human rights violations, and provide justice to victims.

“However, based on previous experience and new information, I remain convinced that such objectives would be better served by establishing an independent international accountability mechanism that would enjoy public confidence, both in Sri Lanka and elsewhere,” she said.

Pillay assessed that some progress has been made since the end of the conflict in the return and resettlement of displaced people.

“Concrete initiatives must now follow to provide justice and redress to victims and generally to promote accountability and longer-term reconciliation,” she added.

^AFP