Human Rights Council 40: Interactive Dialogue on Sri Lanka
Human Rights Council Resolution 30/1 on Sri Lanka contains the key elements toward achieving lasting peace and reconciliation, and with a concerted effort from all parties this is attainable. We urge the Government to prioritise the steps required to deliver fully on its commitments.
The Human Rights Council takes place in Geneva.
The United Kingdom welcomes the High Commissioner’s report.
We join the High Commissioner in recognising the steps taken by the Government of Sri Lanka since 2015 to improve the human rights situation, in particular the restoration of important democratic checks and balances, improvements in freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, the return of land held by the military, the establishment of an Office on Missing Persons, and legislation on an Office for Reparations. We commend the Government for these measures and its constructive engagement with the United Nations.
However, as the High Commissioner’s report makes clear, much remains to be done to meet the needs and expectations of victims from all communities in Sri Lanka and we are disappointed that more progress has not been made. We continue to urge the Government to prioritise the steps required to deliver fully on its commitments in resolutions 30/1 and 34/1 and to develop a comprehensive and time bound implementation strategy. In particular, we encourage the Government to establish the full range of transitional justice mechanisms envisaged in resolution 30/1, deliver meaningful devolution through constitutional reform, replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act with human rights compliant legislation, and return all remaining military-held private land.
Our view remains that resolution 30/1 contains key elements toward achieving lasting peace and reconciliation, and that with a concerted effort from all parties this is attainable. We will continue to support and encourage the Sri Lankan Government in this shared goal.
High Commissioner, your report recommends continued UN support to Sri Lanka. What are your priorities for assistance? Thank you