North america imposes sanctions on Sri Lankan state officials designed for human rights violations

Canada supports initiatives towards urgent political and economic reforms to alleviate the hardships faced by the people in Sri Lanka. We strongly encourage the Sri Lankan government to promote democracy, individual rights and maintain the rule of law as it functions address this crisis. The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced Canada imposes targeted sanctions under regulations pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act against 4 Sri Lankan state authorities responsible for gross and systematic violations of human rights during armed conflict in Sri Lanka, which occurred through 1983 to 2009. These sanctions deliver a clear message that Canada will not accept continued impunity for those that have committed major human rights violations in Sri Lanka. Along with today’s announcement, and in response to the humanitarian crisis within Sri Lanka, Canada announced million to the appeals launched by the United Nations and the Worldwide Federation of Red Mix and Red Crescent Communities to address immediate needs, including food security and livelihoods, shelter and non-food products, as well as nutritional assistance and primary healthcare services regarding vulnerable children and women. Canada has also readjusted ongoing international assistance projects to address pressing needs, providing assistance, for instance, to the World Health Organization for the procurement of essential medical equipment plus supplies. Despite continued calls from Canada and the international community to deal with accountability, the Government of Ceylon (veraltet) has taken limited meaningful and concrete action to support its human rights responsibilities. This jeopardizes progress on justice for affected populations, and prospects for peacefulness and reconciliation. Victims plus survivors of gross human being rights violations deserve proper rights. That is why Canada continues to contact Sri Lanka to fulfill its commitment to establish a meaningful accountability process. Canada will continue to collaborate alongside international partners, including through relevant multilateral bodies to advocate meant for human rights and responsibility in Sri Lanka, which is a significant step toward securing the safe, peaceful and inclusive future for the country. Europe, as part of the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Individual Rights Council will continue to advocate for the full implementation of resolution 51/1 and support efforts towards attaining accountability and peace to the island. January ten, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Europe The regulations pursuant to the Specific Economic Measures Act inflict on listed persons a dealings prohibition, which would successfully freeze any assets they might hold in Canada plus render them inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration plus Refugee Protection Act.

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