India has abstained from a crucial vote on Sri Lanka’s rights record at the United Nations Human
Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva – even though the resolution was adopted by 22 states in the 47-member council.· Sri Lanka resolution was the first to be voted on using the extraordinary e-voting procedures established for the UNHRC 46th Session, which has been held virtually.
· It was for Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka.
· Ahead of the vote, both government of Sri Lanka and Tamil National Alliance (both demanding opposite verdicts), had expressed hopes of obtaining India’s support.
· 11 countries (including China, Pakistan, Russia, Bangladesh) have voted against the resolution – thereby supporting Sri Lankan Government.
· Sri Lanka has rejected the UN move to collect and preserve evidence of war crimes in the country, committed by the armed forces and the LTTE.
o It has also resisted to the UN process to prosecute war criminals through an international evidence gathering and investigation mechanism