Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Sri Lanka

Tuesday 2 March 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK would lead a new resolution on post-conflict reconciliation, accountability and human rights at the UN Human Rights Council.
  • Lord Ahmad raised issues of human rights, accountability and reconciliation with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister.
  • The UK expressed concern about recent developments and the impact on religious beliefs and freedoms in Sri Lanka.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question follows concerns about the deteriorating human rights conditions in Sri Lanka.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. The Foreign Secretary confirmed that the UK would lead a new resolution on post-conflict reconciliation, accountability and human rights at the UN Human Rights Council.

Answer from Nigel Adams

The Minister for South Asia, Lord Ahmad, set out our serious concerns about human rights in Sri Lanka in a statement at the UN Human Rights Council on 25 February. On 22 February, the Foreign Secretary confirmed that the UK would lead a new resolution on post-conflict reconciliation, accountability and human rights. We continue to engage with Sri Lanka on these issues.

Answered
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Q2 Sam Tarry
Justice & Courts Foreign Affairs Women & Equalities
Context

There are reports of widespread use of torture by the Sri Lankan police, leading to concerns about UK assistance.

Question

The UK has spent more than £7 million through its conflict, stability and security fund to assist the Sri Lankan police and military. Will the Minister commit to publishing the full overseas security and justice assistance assessments for activities under this programme?

Answer from Nigel Adams

Our engagement with the military in Sri Lanka is designed to support a modern, effective and human rights-compliant military. Engagement with the police is focused on community policing, increasing women's representation, and improving responses to sexual and gender-based violence. Our engagement is subject to ongoing overseas security and justice assessments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to publish full assessments not explicitly given.

How: Engagement With The Military And Police Is Designed, Subject To Ongoing Assessments

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Q3 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

There are alarming reports of forced cremations of coronavirus victims, including Muslims and Christians.

Question

What representations has the Minister made to his Sri Lankan counterpart on respect for and protection of religious beliefs and freedoms?

Answer from Nigel Adams

The hon. Gentleman is right to raise this matter, which is a concern for many constituents. My colleague, Lord Ahmad, has raised issues of human rights, accountability and reconciliation with his counterpart, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, but also has deep concerns about the decision to mandate cremations due to covid.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details of specific representations not provided.

How: Has Raised Issues Of Human Rights, Deep Concerns About Cremation Policy

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Q4 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Foreign Affairs
Context

The expiry of UNHCR resolution 40/1 leads to concerns about drafting a new resolution.

Question

What success has the Government had in their role as leader of the core group on Sri Lanka at the UNHCR in drafting a new UN Human Rights Council resolution?

Answer from Nigel Adams

We are concerned by the recent UN report. The UK would lead a new resolution on post-conflict reconciliation, accountability and human rights at the UN Human Rights Council.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details of success in drafting not provided.

How: Concerns By Recent Un Report, Would Lead A New Resolution

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