• Jaffna group seeks to raise concerns on disappearances, mass graves, challenges to free expression/peaceful assembly/civil society engagement 

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR), Volker Türk commended Sri Lanka’s ongoing HR-related efforts, noting that the process of uniting communities, building trust, and achieving reconciliation is indeed a difficult task, especially in a global context where many nations are drifting in the opposite direction.

He also stressed that human rights are the foundation upon which every individual is recognised and valued without discrimination, and that the UN continues to work towards this goal.

Türk, who is currently on an official visit, paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Parliament on Tuesday (24) at the Parliament premises, where he also held a separate discussion with the leaders of political parties representing the Parliament, the latter who conveyed their hope that the UN would continue to provide the necessary technical support and expertise to help Sri Lanka achieve lasting reconciliation and sustainable peace.

Meanwhile, a peaceful demonstration was also held in Trincomalee during the visit of Türk, where a group of activists and victims of disappearances was seen holding placards and banners. A group of activists and families of missing persons handed over letters and memorandum to Türk in Trincomalee yesterday (25). Türk met with civil society leaders, officials and families of missing persons. UN HR Spokesperson, Jeremy Laurence, who is accompanying Türk, said while in Trincomalee, that Türk had expressed sorrow and solidarity with the families of the disappeared. 

Türk also met with the Chief Justice, civil society leaders, officials and political leaders to discuss matters related to HR allegations, accountability and reconciliation, according to Laurence. 

He was scheduled to leave for Jaffna next where meetings were slated to be held with local officials. Türk will visit Kandy before concluding his official visit to Sri Lanka today (26) after a special press briefing in Colombo.

Elsewhere, the Jaffna Civil Society Centre raised concerns on several urgent HR-related issues including accountability for disappearances and mass graves, the victims of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) atrocities, and the freedom of expression and the civil society space. This was in the context of a letter addressed by the organisation to the UN Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka, requesting a meeting with Türk. The concerns that they wish to discuss were mentioned as follows: unresolved disappearances including the recent findings at the Chemmani mass grave site for which they seek transparent and victim-centred accountability mechanisms; the detention (3,000-4,000 prisoners held in secret detention centres and underground bunkers including at the Thunukai camp in Mullaitivu), torture (systematic abuse) and killing of thousands by the LTTE; and significant challenges faced with regard to free expression and civic engagement and the alleged shrinking space for peaceful assembly and regional civil dialogue.