New Delhi, March 28 (IANS): Human Rights Watch has urged India to encourage Sri Lanka to cooperate after the UN voted to investigate allegations of war crimes in the island nation.
The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva Thursday passed the Sri Lanka resolution by a vote of 23 in favour, 12 against and 12 abstentions. India abstained.
"There will now be an independent investigation into allegations of laws of war violations and other serious abuses by both sides during the conflict in Sri Lanka," Human Rights Watch said in a statement.
"This is a welcome decision, and one that will encourage victims and activists in Sri Lanka who have strived so courageously for accountability and justice," said Meenakshi Ganguly, the South Asia director of Human Rights Watch.
"India chose to abstain, but should now encourage Sri Lanka to cooperate with the UN human rights office to put this resolution into motion."