UK must spearhead international push for justice against SL following damning UN report: AI

28 January 2021 09:10 am - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) must take urgent steps to address the worsening human rights situation in Sri Lanka, the Amnesty International (AI) said yesterday and urged the UK Government to follow through on its commitment to work with partners to present a strong resolution when the Human Rights Council meets next month.

Almost 12 years on from the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war, the report, from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), warns that the Sri Lanka’s persistent failure to address historic crimes is giving way to ‘clear early warning signs of a deteriorating human rights situation and a significantly heightened risk of future violations.’

In February 2020, the Sri Lankan government announced that it would no longer cooperate with the UNHRC's landmark resolution 30/1, which promotes reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in the country, and would instead pursue its own reconciliation and accountability process.

David Griffiths, Director of the Office of the Secretary General at Amnesty, said:

“This report lays bare Sri Lanka’s abject record on delivering justice and accountability and the decaying effect this has had on human rights in the country. The seriousness of these findings highlights the urgent need for the UN Human Rights Council to step up its efforts in Sri Lanka.

“For more than a decade, domestic processes have manifestly failed thousands of victims and their families. Given the government’s decision to walk away from resolution 30/1, and regression on the limited progress that had been made, the Human Rights Council must send a clear message that accountability will be pursued with or without the cooperation of the government.”

Amnesty is calling on the UN Human Rights Council to implement the report’s key recommendations to put in place more stringent oversight on Sri Lanka, including more robust monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation, and the collection and preservation of evidence for future prosecutions.

Amnesty is particularly urging the UK Government to follow through on its commitment to work with partners to present a strong resolution when the Human Rights Council meets next month, putting in place more robust monitoring and reporting on the situation, and mandating the collection and preservation of evidence for future prosecutions.

The report, which accuses Sri Lanka of being in a ‘state of denial about the past’, details how the failure of domestic mechanisms has further entrenched impunity, exacerbating victims’ distrust in the system. Among a litany of failures, the report addresses the rollback of 2015 reforms that offered more checks and balances on executive power, the erosion of judicial and institutional independence, and the failure to reform the security sector and remove and hold to account those responsible for alleged grave crimes and human rights violations.

The report also offers a withering assessment of regression in other human rights areas, including the increasing marginalisation of Tamil and Muslim minorities, fuelled by divisive and discriminatory rhetoric from state officials, and a shrinking space for civil society, including independent media.

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Comments - 13

Chryshan K Thursday, 28 January 2021 09:24 AM

Yeh true the Human rights situation is worsening now.

Lafeer Thursday, 28 January 2021 10:18 AM

Kewum Kanna Yodaya

Andrew Silva Thursday, 28 January 2021 10:41 AM

There is only one right in Sri Lanka that is Rajapaksha right.

Jude Thursday, 28 January 2021 11:07 AM

GTF collected MONEY from Tamil Diaspora and FOR YEARS they spend the money on few politicians WORLD OVER, then on officials of global agenc8!! Huh Money well spent GTF !!

Jude Thursday, 28 January 2021 11:22 AM

Scores of people dying evry day at the hands military junta in African countries namely Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda and other sub saharan Africa!! But NO ONE paying money to look into those brutal killings!! Huh!!

Jude Thursday, 28 January 2021 11:26 AM

AI and UNHRC officials could be bought OVER for MONEY !! Yeah just ask GTF !!huh!!

Vinodh Wickremeratne from Bellanwila Thursday, 28 January 2021 11:43 AM

Conflict Beneficiaries

vince Thursday, 28 January 2021 11:50 AM

What justice are they talking about. What justice did these useless do Gooders bring or promoted for the people of Yemen or Syria. Bugger all.

Jude Thursday, 28 January 2021 11:58 AM

SL is the ONLY country in the whole WORLD that Wipedout ruthless terrorist !! And the WEST is LOSING billions of dollars. 'Coz Terrorism is an lucrative business FOR them!! And they're peanalizing SL and their gallant armed forces !!

Mokan Thursday, 28 January 2021 04:58 PM

Jude Look at the facts. Just because bribery works in SL , doesn’t work every where. Do you bribe where you are living now

Thevathy Thursday, 28 January 2021 05:11 PM

Not only minorities also sinhala people are suffering at the hands of junta rule. No future for SL

Kathir Thursday, 28 January 2021 05:51 PM

The war is already finished but still for what reason there are still 17 army divisions ( 200000) in Tamil areas.Give your reasons to UN and resolve the problems.

Prof Jey R Thursday, 28 January 2021 07:54 PM

Ask Delhi.. Congress.. and Chinese CCP why they gave weapons, funds, training and motivation..

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UK must spearhead international push for justice against SL following damning UN report: AI

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