An opportunity for the new authorities to address the deep causes of the ethnic conflict, corruption and impunity - Costa Rica
Geneva - 09 10 2024
"By underscoring accountability, L1 is a unique opportunity for the new government to lead by example and to show to other parts of the world how one can begin an open, constructive and transparent dialogue with the office of the High Commissioner and the mechanisms created by this council as tools for improving the human rights situation for the entire population," said Costa Rica at the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Full Statement delivered by Mr. Christian Guillermet Fernández, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica, during consideration of the draft resolution A/HRC/57/L.1 on 9th October 2024:
A few days ago the people of Sri Lanka expressed its will through the ballot box.
The political reality is complex and social economic and ethnic tensions are ongoing.
It is clear that change must come and we hope that it will be for the better.
For Costa Rica such change would be an opportunity for the new authorities to embrace an inclusive national vision which amongst other things would address the deep causes of the ethnic conflict, corruption and impunity, scourges which impede full respect for and enjoyment of the human rights of the Sri Lankan people.
As my Delegation said when this text was being negotiated, we have been encouraged by the fact that Sri Lanka has shown particular interest in some of the debates that have taken place under agenda items 2 and 4 within this council including on countries where a lack of accountability and persistent impunity have had devastating and long-term effects on the enjoyment of human rights.
We conclude that such involvement or we trust that such involvement is part of a renewed commitment of Sri Lanka to the universal system of human rights.
By underscoring accountability, L1 is a unique opportunity for the new government to lead by example and to show to other parts of the world how one can begin an open, constructive and transparent dialogue with the office of the High Commissioner and the mechanisms created by this council as tools for improving the human rights situation for the entire population.
Yes, President, it will take time.
Of course it will.
But just like the hard climb to up the Aden's Peak - the Sri Pada - the Shivanolipatha Malai, they are guided by clearly marked out and robust steps.
Human rights are safe paths towards achieving justice, peace and ensuring lasting reconciliation.
The rewards that come following a sustained and well-guided effort are always the best rewards.
Costa Rica thanks the sponsors of this draft resolution for their practical and coherent approach.
We support the continuity of the accountability draft and the work of the OHCR and we call for this to be adopted without a vote.
Thank you.
A few days ago the people of Sri Lanka expressed its will through the ballot box.
The political reality is complex and social economic and ethnic tensions are ongoing.
It is clear that change must come and we hope that it will be for the better.
For Costa Rica such change would be an opportunity for the new authorities to embrace an inclusive national vision which amongst other things would address the deep causes of the ethnic conflict, corruption and impunity, scourges which impede full respect for and enjoyment of the human rights of the Sri Lankan people.
As my Delegation said when this text was being negotiated, we have been encouraged by the fact that Sri Lanka has shown particular interest in some of the debates that have taken place under agenda items 2 and 4 within this council including on countries where a lack of accountability and persistent impunity have had devastating and long-term effects on the enjoyment of human rights.
We conclude that such involvement or we trust that such involvement is part of a renewed commitment of Sri Lanka to the universal system of human rights.
By underscoring accountability, L1 is a unique opportunity for the new government to lead by example and to show to other parts of the world how one can begin an open, constructive and transparent dialogue with the office of the High Commissioner and the mechanisms created by this council as tools for improving the human rights situation for the entire population.
Yes, President, it will take time.
Of course it will.
But just like the hard climb to up the Aden's Peak - the Sri Pada - the Shivanolipatha Malai, they are guided by clearly marked out and robust steps.
Human rights are safe paths towards achieving justice, peace and ensuring lasting reconciliation.
The rewards that come following a sustained and well-guided effort are always the best rewards.
Costa Rica thanks the sponsors of this draft resolution for their practical and coherent approach.
We support the continuity of the accountability draft and the work of the OHCR and we call for this to be adopted without a vote.
Thank you.