Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I am deeply concerned about the situation in Sri Lanka, the grave humanitarian crisis taking place there and the growing evidence that horrific atrocities were inflicted by both Sri Lankan forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, LTTE.

Reports of serious breaches of international humanitarian law include intensive shelling by government forces in areas in which significant numbers of civilians were trapped, the use of civilians as human shields by the LTTE and the forced conscription of civilians and children into LTTE units. These and other breaches of international humanitarian law must be subject to independent review.

European Union Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Sri Lanka at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on 18 May. We made clear that we were "appalled by the loss of innocent lives as a result of the conflict and by the high number of casualties, including children, following recent intense fighting". We reiterated the need for all parties to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and we called for the alleged violations of these laws to be investigated through an independent inquiry.

This call was reiterated by the EU Presidency at the special session of the UN Human Rights Council on the situation in Sri Lanka in Geneva earlier this week. In its national statement at the special session, Ireland also called for an independent inquiry. My preference would be for this inquiry to be carried out under the authority of the UN Human Rights Council covering violations perpetrated by all parties. However, efforts by the EU and other sponsors of the special session to have a resolution passed that would endorse a call for an inquiry into breaches of international law have, regrettably, not been successful.

I see any inquiry as one element in the overall response of the international community to the post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction of Sri Lanka. It would be coupled with increased involvement in humanitarian relief efforts, which must now be the immediate priority for the international community. This would be followed by a longer term focus on reconstruction, economic and social development, and the restoration of basic services in the Tamil north as the post-conflict strategy is implemented.

Furthermore, an inclusive reconciliation and peace process must be initiated, based on the principles of parity of esteem, consent, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. As I have stated previously in this House, should the relevant parties there seek our advice in regard to the peace process, we would be happy to consider any such request.

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