UNHRC calls on SL to implement detailed, comprehensive strategy for transitional process with fixed timeline

Geneva: Presenting the report on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka to the 40th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called on Sri Lanka to implement a detailed, comprehensive strategy for the transitional process with a fixed timeline.

Acknowledging the Sri Lankan Government’s open dialogue and sustained cooperation with the OHCHR, Bachelet welcomed the operationalisation of the Office of Missing Persons (OMP) and the establishment of the Office for Reparations and encouraged the Government to enable the two institutions to “function effectively and independently”, and to link them to a broader approach aimed at justice, real accountability and truth-seeking. 

Welcoming Sri Lanka’s commitment to implement Human Rights Council resolution 30/1, the High Commissioner said however, implementation of resolution 30/1 needs to be more consistent, comprehensive and accelerated.

The High Commissioner said a contributing factor to delays appears to be a lack of common vision among the country’s highest leadership and deadlock on these important issues has a damaging impact on victims from all ethnic and religious groups and on society as a whole.

Bachelet noted that there has been minimal progress on accountability and said the continuing impunity risks fuelling communal or interethnic violence, and instability.

She said the recent appointment to a senior position in the Sri Lankan Army of Major General Shavendra Silva, implicated in alleged serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, is a worrying development.

The High Commissioner also said the continuing allegations of torture and other human rights violations by security forces, including sexual violence are troublesome and called for effective, transparent and independent investigations by the Government, as well as measures to prevent and end such practices.

Concluding her remarks, the Human Rights High Commissioner said there is an opportunity now for Sri Lanka to leave behind a past of violence and human rights violations, through bold determination and leadership at all levels of Government.