Sri Lanka at critical juncture politically! UN report urges progress on security sector reforms

Colombo, Sept 8: Sri Lanka's new govt should embark on a national dialogue to advance human rights and reconciliation, a UN report urged on Tuesday (Sept 6), calling for accountability and deeper institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence of past violations.

 

 

 

 

According to the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR), the report acknowledges that Sri Lanka is at a critical juncture in its political life, and is in the midst of a serious economic crisis which has severely impacted the human rights of all communities and people of all walks of life. This has spurred broad-based demands by Sri Lankans from all communities for deeper reforms and accountability, and gives the govt a fresh opportunity to steer the country on a new path, as per UN.

 

 

 

 

 

For sustainable improvements to take place, however, it is vital to recognize and address the underlying factors which have contributed to the economic crisis, including embedded impunity for past and present human rights violations, economic crimes and endemic corruption, OHCHR said. "Fundamental changes will be required to address the current challenges and to avoid repetition of the human rights violations of the past," said a report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

 

The UN report calls on the Sri Lanka govt to immediately end the reliance on draconian security laws and crackdowns on peaceful protest, reverse the drift towards militarization and show renewed commitment to, and deliver on, security sector reform and ending impunity. While the security forces recently showed considerable restraint in response to mass protests, the Sri Lanka govt has since taken a harder line approach, arresting some student leaders under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and violently suppressing peaceful protests. A heavily militarized environment and surveillance culture also continue in the north and east of the country.