The Core Group on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Wednesday (19) urged the Government to ensure that transitional justice mechanisms are independent, inclusive, impartial, transparent, and that they meet the expectations of the affected communities.

The Group statement at the UNHRC in Geneva, Switzerland was delivered by the United Kingdom’s (UK) Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French on behalf of Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the UK and the United States. Thanking the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk for his recent report on accountability for enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka, the Group claimed that it highlights long-standing impunity for human rights violations. “We call on the Government to engage with its recommendations to address the suffering caused by enforced disappearances and its impact on all communities.” 

The Group said that it is crucial that any new legislation developed and implemented by Sri Lanka, including legislation relating to counter terrorism and online safety, fulfils its human rights related obligations, including protecting the freedom of expression for all. 

“We stress the need to safeguard judicial independence and the independence and transparency of the country’s legal institutions,” the statement said. 

While welcoming the release of lands from the high security zone in Jaffna, the Group said that it remains concerned by ongoing reports of tensions related to land seizures in the North and East and by reports of arbitrary arrests, irregular searches, and ill-treatment in detention during Police operations.