International Independent Group of Eminent Persons: PUBLIC STATEMENT

Full Document

The Final Report of the IIGEP
FOR RELEASE ON 15 APRIL 2008
REF: IIGEP-PS-006-2006

THE MEMBERS OF THE IIGEP SUBMIT THEIR CONCLUDING PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY AND FIND A LACK OF POLITICAL WILL TO SUPPORT A SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH

1. SUMMARY

The International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (“the IIGEP”) concluded at its meeting in Colombo in November 2007 that it should terminate its observation mission at the end of March 2008, and has informed HE the President of Sri Lanka of its decision. It affirmed this intention at its fifth and final plenary meeting held in Colombo on 17-19 February 2008. It did so with profound regret that more could not have been achieved.

The IIGEP was fully formed in February 2007, when the President of Sri Lanka invited 11 persons from a number of countries to observe the work of the Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Alleged Serious Violations of Human Rights (“the Commission”), which was established in November 2006. The Serious Violations referred to in the Warrant establishing the Commission were 15 cases dating from 1 August 2005 until 16 October 2006. A 16th case was later added. The principal directive of the mandate given to Members of the IIGEP was to observe the work of the Commission “with a view to satisfying that such inquiries are conducted in a transparent manner and in accordance with basic international norms and standards pertaining to investigations and inquiries.”