Rajiva Wijesinha

“ Racism can express itself in many ways, Mr President, as was made clear here last month in the Conference on Racism, and it is important that racism masquerading under the guise of freedom of expression also be addressed as required. ”

“ It is such inappropriate interventions that are in congruence with other interests that seem to us to take away from the independence such Rapporteurs should uphold, in the interests of universal human rights rather than parochial considerations. ”

“ Mr President, Sri Lanka thanks the Special Rapporteurs for their reports and their hard work throughout the year. At the same time we would urge them to work more consistently in terms of the mandates entrusted to them, and also to fulfil the requirements enjoined upon them by this Council. Whilst independence is important, it must always be exercised with a sense of responsibility. ”