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Sri Lanka supports Cambodia at UN Human Rights Council

The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office at Geneva

26th September 2008

Item 3 on Review, Rationalization and Improvement of the mandate of the Secretary-General for Human Rights in Cambodia

Speaking under the above item at the 9th Session of the Human Rights Council on 15 September 2008, Mr. O.L. Ameerajwad, Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva, stated the following :

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Mr President,

Operative Paragraph 5(a) of the Human Rights Council founding resolution 60/251 mandates the Council to promote human rights education and learning as well as advisory services, and to provide technical assistance and capacity-building in consultation with and with the consent of Member States concerned.

It is against this backdrop, Mr President, that my delegation views the Review, Rationalization and Improvement of the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Human Rights in Cambodia. We heard the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the Council providing details on Cambodia's records of success and achievements in political, economic, social and cultural sectors through its reform process over the past 10 years.

Cambodia has begun to transform itself into a new political, economical and social landscape from a post conflict country. Cambodia is taking steps further to advance the democratic process and to improve human rights.

Therefore, Mr. President, my delegation wishes to point out that the Council should take into consideration the initiatives taken by the Government of Cambodia and the new developments that are taking place in that country, when the Council reviews, rationalizes and improves the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Human Rights in Cambodia. The Council should consider the request of the State concerned regarding the needs of that country for capacity building and technical assistance. Only this constructive approach will help to attract the cooperation of the State concerned and bring about the expected results in the promotion and protection of human rights on the ground.

Therefore, Mr. President, the renewal of this mandate should be decided in consultation with and with the consent of Cambodia based on her need assessment.

My delegation appreciates the initiative taken by Japan in a constructive and cooperative manner in order to help Cambodia in this regard.

Thank you Mr. President.

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