OTTAWA - Today, the Honourable Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt and Liberal Critic for Multiculturalism, asked the House of Commons for unanimous consent to a Motion calling on the House of Commons to urge the Government of Sri Lanka to co-operate with the UN Expert Panel investigating allegations of war crimes during the last days of the civil war.
“Harper and his cronies say they stand up for human rights at every opportunity. Today, they proved that this is not the truth.” said Mr. Karygiannis. “During the last days of the civil war crimes were committed. There is photographic and video evidence. There are first person accounts.”
In June 2010, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, appointed a panel of experts to advise him on accountability issues relating to alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law during the final stages of the conflict in Sri Lanka that ended last year.
The Motion also called on the Government of Sri Lanka to bring to justice those guilty of these crimes. The following is the complete text of the Motion:
That this House call on the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the Panel of Experts established by the Secretary General of the United Nations as it examines the allegations of crimes committed during the last days of the civil war.
And that this House also calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure that those responsible for any crimes of war be brought to justice and be subject to the full weight of the law.
“I don’t know what this government is waiting for. The evidence is there, witnesses have told the Panel members their stories and the Panel has written its report.” Mr. Karygiannis stated. “It is now time for the Sri Lankan government to step up to the plate and accept responsibility.”
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