We believe that it will be very difficult for the Sri Lankan people to move on until the events of the past have been laid to rest. As a result, we have consistently called for an independent, thorough and credible investigation into allegations of violations and abuses of international humanitarian and human rights law by both sides in the military conflict. During his visit to Sri Lanka earlier this year, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister responsible for Sri Lanka, Alistair Burt, urged the Sri Lankan Government to fully implement the recommendations of Sri Lanka’s own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. Both during the visit, and since, we have been clear that although some progress had been made, much more work is needed to deliver the path to reconciliation in Sri Lanka. The actions suggested by the LLRC include a national day of remembrance for all victims of the conflict, closure for the families of missing persons through access to detainee lists and a political settlement which protects minority rights.

As stated in the Human Rights Report for 2012, ‘the UK Government opposes the death penalty in all circumstances. We consider that its use undermines human dignity, that there is no conclusive evidence that it has any value as a deterrent and that any miscarriage of justice is irreversible and irreparable.’

Previous legislation passed by the US Congress, namely the 2011 National Defense Authorisation Act, all but precluded transfers out of Guantanamo Bay. This legislation was renewed by the US Government for 2012, allowing for the US Secretary of Defense to exercise a waiver should stringent conditions be met. Despite HMG’s best endeavours Mr Aamer was not released in 2012. The National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) has now been renewed for 2013. We continue to work with US counterparts to consider the implications of the NDAA 2013 for Mr Aamer’s case.

The Foreign Secretary raised Mr Aamer’s case numerous times with Secretary Clinton and earlier this month made representations to her successor, Secretary Kerry, as did the Defence Secretary with his US counterpart. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs made representations to US Deputy Secretary of State Burns during a visit to Washington in April, and senior officials continue to meet their US counterparts for discussions about Mr Aamer.

We welcome President Obama’s statement of 30 April in which he reiterated his commitment to closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.

As stated in the 2012 Human Rights Report report, we have ongoing human rights concerns about Sri Lanka, including freedom of expression and media and judicial independence. During his visit to Sri Lanka earlier this year, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister responsible for Sri Lanka, Alistair Burt, discussed human rights concerns with the Sri Lankan Government, and urged the full implementation of Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission’s (LLRC) report recommendations and wider measures on accountability. Both during the visit, and since, we have been clear that although some progress has been made, much more work is needed to deliver the path to reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

In light of our concerns, the UK co-sponsored the Sri Lanka resolution passed in the Human Rights Council on 21 March, and we welcome its adoption with the support of a majority of Council members. We look to the Sri Lankan Government to implement the recommendations contained in the resolution and comply with their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

During his visit to Sri Lanka earlier this year, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister responsible for Sri Lanka, Alistair Burt, urged the Sri Lankan Government to fully implement the recommendations of Sri Lanka’s own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, including by allowing individuals access to detainee lists. The Sri Lankan Government has not yet published a list of detainees. We remain concerned that the Prevention of Terrorism Act allows for extended detention without charge, and at allegations of political interference in law enforcement.

On the other issues raised, the British Government believe that indefinite detention in Guantanamo Bay is wrong and will continue to call for Guantanamo Bay to be closed. We welcome President Obama’s statement of 30 April in which he reiterated his commitment to closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.

An Inquiry into all aspects of the UK’s involvement in the War in Iraq began work in 2009, led by Sir John Chilcot. This inquiry is still underway and is independent of the British Government. In his most recent letter to the Prime Minister in July of 2012 Sir John said that the Inquiry would present its report once any witnesses facing potential criticism had been given the chance to respond and present their case. This process is due to begin around the middle of this year.
The US and the UK both carry out operations in Afghanistan as part of the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) under the authority of UN Security Council resolutions and with the consent of the Government of Afghanistan. This includes the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). We expect all countries concerned to operate UAS in accordance with international law.

In the chapter on Making Government Work Better, we said:
“We believe in giving power to people and communities across the UK and the Territories to drive reform. This means strengthening accountability including by making the performance of public bodies and services more transparent. We will work with the people, communities and governments of the Territories to realise this vision”.

This work continues. In December 2012 at the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council we agreed with Territory leaders, as part of a detailed communiqué, to ‘continue to develop democratic institutions that serve and take account of the interests of all the people in the Territories’.

The Territories already have a wide range of official organisations, varying from Territory to Territory, that work to ensure openness and transparency and to hold public bodies to account, including auditors and complaints commissions.

In response to the suspension, Baroness Ashton made clear in a statement that, if it was not possible to discuss these issues with the Gambian authorities, the EU would be forced to consider “other provisions of the Cotonou Agreement, which apply to situations where dialogue on important commitments is no longer possible”. At present, we are exploring with other EU Member States the options which are available to us. Under the Cotonou Agreement, Article 96 provides the framework by which appropriate measures could be taken against The Gambia. These are intended to act as an incentive to ensuring dialogue is re-established. The purpose of Article 96 is to allow space to find a solution acceptable to both parties and to encourage a change in behaviour. It is not punitive in nature.

We shall continue to press the Gambian government to return to dialogue with the EU and, additionally, shall continue to raise with them at a bilateral level relevant issues of specific concern.

We regularly condemn FARC actions including at the Children and Armed Conflict working group in New York and are supporting the government to better investigate incidences of sexual violence. We will continue to provide support to the Colombian government in their efforts to address human rights problems in the country, and we stand ready to help as progress is made towards resolving the armed conflict.