UN Human Rights Council 45: interactive dialogue on truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence
UK's Counsellor for Human Rights, Matthew Forman's statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence.
The Human Rights Council takes place in Geneva
Thank you Madam President
The UK thanks Mr Salvioli for his report, and would like to make some remarks in relation to the report by his predecessor on his visit to Sri Lanka.
We welcome the report by Mr de Greiff and its recommendations. We also welcome your expressed interest in following up on it.
We share the concerns expressed regarding transitional justice in Sri Lanka. While we welcome the establishment of domestic mechanisms such as the Office of Missing Persons, the UK has made clear our profound disappointment at the Government’s decision to withdraw support for resolution 30/1. We believe the resolution is a powerful framework for achieving truth and justice.
Effective transitional justice is critical for sustainable reconciliation and peace. We note that previous domestic mechanisms have failed to deliver meaningful justice and accountability.
We share the concerns at the lack of meaningful progress on emblematic cases which embody the struggle of so many victims of conflict. We note with concern the increasing pressure on those members of civil society working for progress on transitional justice, given continued instances of surveillance, harassment and intimidation by security forces. These reports call into question the Government’s stated commitment to transitional justice.
The UK urges the Government of Sri Lanka to give detailed consideration to the recommendations in Mr Greiff’s report. We will continue to support those striving for progress on these issues in Sri Lanka.