Ahead of upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka, the UN Human Rights chief stressed that the newly elected administration must pledge to enact the essential and transformative reforms required for accountability, justice, and reconciliation.
During the UN Human Rights Council session held in Geneva on Monday (9), Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), addressed the Interactive Dialogue on the OHCHR report on Sri Lanka, emphasizing the importance of Sri Lanka departing from its history and forging a new path forward.
The High Commissioner began by thanking the Sri Lankan delegation for engaging with his office and the report, despite the government’s rejection of the Human Rights council resolution.
Regarding the economic situation, he remarked that the report has indicated that the macroeconomic indicators have improved. He stated that he has consistently called for the international community to provide the government with the fiscal space to focus on the economic and human rights of the country as a whole.
Türk also expressed particular concern over new and proposed laws that grant broad powers to security forces and restrict civil liberties. He added that reports of persistent harassment, surveillance, and intimidation of journalists, civil society actors, victims and human rights defenders are unacceptable. He advised that “a clear, public change of narrative along these lines would help to re-establish trust in the authorities and begin to address the deep polarization in the country.”
Addressing issues of accountability and reconciliation, Turk asserted the need for a comprehensive approach. While the government has released land held by the military and set up reparations, he says: “The missing link is accountability […] a comprehensive investigation of past human rights violations has not occurred at a satisfactory level.”
Around the elections, Türk urged leaders to recommit to a new vision for Sri Lanka and address the concerns of the past. He said he hoped that there will be a sustained real commitment to the promises made to minorities which are often made during the election process.
The High Commissioner concluded by reiterating his strong intentions to work with the people of Sri Lanka to help its democratic process for the advancement of the country and long term sustainable peace and development.
