The new Human Rights Chief made these remarks today addressing the 27th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. 

 

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"It humbles me to know that I am to follow the course of Navi Pillay and her predecessors, " Hussein said who assumed duties after Navi Pillay's retirement in August. High Commissioner Zeid also pledged to continue on same path as Navi Pillay; to be firm yet always fair, critical of States when necessary.

 

Meanwhile, in his opening statement to the 27th session of the UNHRC, Zeid also commented on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka.

 

"Moreover, I attach great importance to the investigation on Sri Lanka mandated by this Council, on which OHCHR will report later in the session. I encourage the Sri Lankan authorities to cooperate with this process in the interests of justice and reconciliation. I am alarmed at threats currently being levelled against the human rights community in Sri Lanka, as well as prospective victims and witnesses. I also deplore recent incitement and violence against the country's Muslim and Christian minorities." he said. 

 

Sri Lanka's delegation to the 27th session of the UNHRC is led by Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha.