Rajiva Wijesinha

“ Having just written an article on the pronouncements of the so-called independent media, I was not entirely surprised to discover that the Associated Press had deliberately misrepresented my answer with regard to the winding up of the Commission of Inquiry into several cases of violence over the last few years. The article described the cases as those of human rights abuses, whereas they dealt with a number of high profile killings, including the murders of some politicians, most prominently that of the Sri Lankan Tamil Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar. ”

“ Another instance of bad faith related to the refusal to assist the National Human Rights Commission. Ms Foster’s comments about its regional offices were valid, but when help had been asked to improve these, it had been denied. The excuse from the UN was that donors were unwilling to fund the HRC, but in fact the Swiss had revealed that they had provided funds for the purpose to the UN which remained unused. ”

“ They had thought it fit to release denigratory reports to coincide with meetings of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, in the days when they thought they could make use of it for political purposes. One report had been issued without the comments of the Commission, which were a requirement, and the news that the IIGEP had decided not to continue from March was revealed by the Deputy Dutch ambassador in December, which certainly made clear the improprieties that had taken place. ”