UN Urges Sri Lanka to Address Historic Injustices

(MENAFN) On Wednesday, the UN human rights office urged the Sri Lankan government to “seize the historic opportunity to break with entrenched impunity” by delivering justice for grave past violations, including those classified as international crimes.

This appeal aligns with a newly released report emphasizing accountability and reform.

The report was published the same day as UN human rights chief Volker Turk concluded his official visit to Sri Lanka.

During his trip, Turk engaged with government representatives, civil society members, victim advocacy groups, and other stakeholders. His itinerary included visits to key cities such as Trincomalee, Jaffna, and Kandy.

According to Turk, “Today, an opportunity presents itself for Sri Lanka to break from the past,” highlighting the government’s pledge for a renewed path that includes justice for victims, restoring legal integrity, and ending discrimination and divisive politics.

He emphasized the need for a detailed action plan to transform these pledges into meaningful progress.

The document recommended fundamental changes within the security infrastructure, alterations to the constitution and legal system, and adherence to international human rights standards.

It also called for public acknowledgment of past violations committed by both government forces and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) during the civil conflict, along with urgent measures to alleviate the "palpable" pain of those affected.

Among the core proposals were the establishment of a special judicial body supported by an autonomous special counsel, the return of military-occupied lands in the northern and eastern regions, and the annulment of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), including the release of individuals held under the act for extended periods.

Although the report welcomed the initiative to create an autonomous public prosecutor’s office, it voiced concern over "persistent" threats targeting civil society groups and families of the missing.

It also pointed out the ongoing application of the PTA, despite earlier promises to repeal it, and recommended a temporary suspension of the law alongside revisions to other restrictive statutes.

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