UN High Commissioner for Human Rights calls for global reforms to support debt ridden countries like SL

Türk is scheduled to visit the eastern city of Trincomalee, Jaffna in the north and the central city of Kandy, to meet with victims and some families of the disappeared   

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk who began his official visit in Sri Lanka emphasised the need for global reforms of the international financial institutions, to free many countries – including Sri Lanka – from the crushing debt burdens that weigh so heavily on human rights investments.   
At a lecture in Colombo, the High Commissioner addressed a wide range of human rights issues, including accountability and effective remedies for victims of human rights violations, as well as reconciliation efforts.   
“Human rights are the basis of the pathways that lead away from war; away from misery; away from grievances and violence. Human rights open a vista of solutions that deliver more harmonious and equal societies, where people can live in greater peace and freedom,” he said.   
The High Commissioner added that Sri Lanka has suffered deeply, and his office stands ready to help.   
“A steady, unwavering focus on the voices and rights of victims – and their families – is essential to this work. Truth commissions and memorialization are key to transitional justice, together with reparations for victims. But it is also vital to hold to account the perpetrators of the most severe crimes. Vital for justice. Vital for deterrence. Vital for the victims who have suffered inconceivable pain and loss. Vital for the future,” the High Commissioner said.   
He also addressed the human rights impact of the economic crisis, and ways to promote economic recovery and social justice for the benefit of all Sri Lankans.   
“States can make human rights central to all policies relating to the economy and business – investing in people’s access to quality education and healthcare; to universal social protection; to decent work; to food, clean water, sanitation and housing; and to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. These rights build sound economies and healthy societies,” he said.   
Türk noted however international assistance came at a heavy price.   
“I also want to emphasize the need for global reforms of the international financial institutions, to free many countries – including Sri Lanka – from the crushing debt burdens that weigh so heavily on human rights investments,” he said.   
“I am here to support and honour the victims of human rights violations, and to promote measures that can bring reconciliation to the people of this peerlessly beautiful country. Sri Lanka is at a key moment. This can be a new chapter and a new opportunity. People are full of hope and are looking for genuine commitments from their leaders,” Türk said.   
In addition to the capital of Colombo, Türk is scheduled to visit the eastern city of Trincomalee, Jaffna in the north and the central city of Kandy, to meet with victims and some families of the disappeared.