Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has emphasised the role of foreign jurists in the proposed accountability mechanism on alleged violations of international law during the last phase of the civil war in Sri Lanka.
In a statement to mark the seventh anniversary of the end of the war, Mr. Trudeau said: “A robust accountability mechanism must enlist the confidence of the victims of this war through the meaningful engagement of foreign and Commonwealth investigators, prosecutors, and judges.”
Pointing out that he was “encouraged that the Sri Lankan government is committed to working” with the UN Human Rights Council and the international community towards seeking accountability in their country, he referred to his government’s support to assist Colombo in fulfilling its commitment.
Mr. Trudeau added that over the past seven years, he had met many victims of the war, and have been deeply moved by their heroic stories of trauma and loss. “Much work lies ahead to heal the wounds of all those who have suffered, and to achieve long-term peace and reconciliation on the island,” the Prime Minister said.
