Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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25. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the accusations that Sri Lankan security forces destroyed evidence of war crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8107/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I am concerned by allegations made in a recent report by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre’s International Crimes Evidence Project of human rights abuses committed by the Sri Lankan security forces in the final stages of the Sri Lanka civil war. Allegations that evidence of war crimes was destroyed is particularly concerning. The report also makes allegations of human rights abuses by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

In a statement I delivered on behalf of the EU at the twenty-second session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on 27 February 2013, I highlighted concerns regarding the current human rights situation in Sri Lanka, and, in particular, the need for accountability and reconciliation. In April 2013, Minister of State Joe Costello met with members of the Irish Forum for Peace in Sri Lanka who briefed him on the human rights situation in the country.

More recently, at the 24th session of the UNHRC, which took place from 9 – 27 September 2013, Ireland intervened in the General Debate on human rights situations requiring the Council’s attention and expressed its serious concern at abuses in Sri Lanka, including in relation to the treatment of prisoners incarcerated in connection with the conflict, enforced disappearances, torture, and other human rights violations. Ireland further noted that genuine reconciliation among all groups and communities in Sri Lanka is essential, and requires justice and accountability.

At the same session, the European Union also expressed strong concerns regarding the situation of human rights in Sri Lanka and urged the Government of Sri Lanka to implement effectively the recommendations of the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission. The EU further encouraged the Government of Sri Lanka to fully cooperate with the UN human rights mechanisms and to allow access for all UN special procedures mandate holders.

Ireland, together with our international partners, will continue to take every opportunity, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to urge the Government of Sri Lanka to adhere to its international obligations and respect the human rights of all its citizens, including at the upcoming 25th Session of the Human Rights Council in March 2014.