There have been various news reports about the approaching demise of the Tamil Tiger terrorist group in Sri Lanka by the national army, and with the deaths of many civilians in the conflict the E.U. is calling for an independent inquiry for the possible human rights violation against the Sri Lankan government.

Although the intentions behind the E.U. might be good, I am nevertheless puzzled, because there is (Or was) a civil war in the country. It seems that the E.U. criticism is directly aimed at the Sri Lanka’s government, despite reports of the Tamil Tiger terrorist group using civilians as human shields. I grant the possibility that human rights abuse indeed happen in the fighting region, but such criticism should go toward both warring parties.

But there is also a question of legitimacy in E.U.’s message. Why would a Sri Lankan care about some supranational foreign body criticizing his government now when the same body did not even care to intervene or even comment during the intense conflict with the Tamil Tiger back a couple years ago? My main criticism is this: why is the E.U. trying to interfere with Sri Lankan conflict now? Is it to gain more positive publicity among her constituents and other citizens around the world as the guardian of human rights? I am sorry, but the only organization that I can think of that had a consistent vested interest in the human rights abuse in the country is Amnesty International, which I have deep respect for (Although I do not agree fully with some of their stance on certain issues).

E.U.’s message for human rights investigation seems to be disingenuous.