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Ceasefire and human rights

In war, human rights are frequently observed in the breach. Even human rights of civilians are infringed on a large scale.

That is why the Geneva Conventions have laid down rules of war for all combatants, including those involved in intra-state conflicts.

Of particular importance is the need to protect civilians and to save children from being dragged into combat.

The civilized world has also emphasized the need to protect cultural monuments and places of religious worship from ravages of war.

Of late, global concern for human rights has increased many-fold. There are even instances where the world community has over ridden state sovereignty when human rights were violated by member states.

With the silencing of guns human rights situation in the war zone has improved considerably. Yet news reports from the North and East continue to highlight human rights abuses, especially attempts at extortion and involuntary enrollment of children for military training.

The Ceasefire Agreement has provisions to ensure the termination of such practices. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission headed by Norway should look into these complaints or grievances.

Provision also should be made for civilians or organizations representing them to approach the Monitors for redress.

Friendly countries such as the United States as well as local and international NGOs including the Amnesty International have drawn attention to the need to observe human rights during the ceasefire.

In particular, some of them have urged the LTTE to refrain from enlisting children for military training.

The LTTE has, however, denied the charge and said that children volunteer to join their organization. It is up to the LTTE as a party to the Agreement to see that its sincerity is not questioned by leaving room for such allegations to appear.

As we reported yesterday, the Ceasefire Agreement has passed D+30 without any hiccups. This augurs well.

Our Lead story today on Page One confirms Thailand as the venue for face-to-face talks between the two combatants.

We commend the commitment and sincerity of purpose shown by the principal antagonists and the Norwegian facilitators in bringing about this situation.

The Ceasefire Agreement has brought about a rapid change in the atmosphere in the North with peace hopes rising high with each passing day. However, much remains to be done, especially in the humanitarian front.

The next stage in the peace process, talks about talks is more complex. We urge both parties to take stock of the previous negotiations and learn from past mistakes. We hope the professional and business like approach shown so far will be maintained and improved upon.

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