A number of countries including Sri Lanka has opposed the decision to hold the UN Human Rights sessions scheduled to commence on February 23 online this year. According to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dinesh Gunawardena the Sri Lankan government and others have voiced their opposition with the organizing committee of the International Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
Gunawardena said the countries have pointed out that the sessions could be held according to health regulations but however United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has decided to hold the sessions online disregarding the request. He said the sessions held online without the physical attendance of the foreign ministers and relevant parties would be futile.
The Minister said, however, the Sri Lankan delegation will attend the session online from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that addressing the council on behalf of Sri Lanka will be held on February 23 – 24.
He said Sri Lanka is prepared to respond to any allegations and that many governments have expressed their support already to Sri Lanka.
