The Council acknowledges the situation that Sri Lanka is currently experiencing but considers that the re-implementation of the death penalty is not likely to be an effective tool to address it. The Council considers that the resumption of executions and expansion of offences punishable by death in Sri Lanka would be contrary to the principles underlying a just and civilized society and contrary to the terms and spirit of the ICCPR to which Sri Lanka is a party. The Council expresses concern regarding information received stating that since the late 1980’s thousands of extrajudicial killings and disappearances have occurred at the hands of law enforcement agencies. The Council considers that Sri Lanka has an obligation to ensure that the rule of law is observed, that law enforcement agencies are accountable and that extrajudicial killings and disappearances not continue. 15