Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 7th Sept. UN human rights office in Geneva on Wednesday emphasized the need for Sri Lanka to address its accountability deficit, from war crimes to rights violations, corruption and abuse of power.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, stressed the urgency to address these challenges if the country is to move forward, recalling the 2022 anti-Government protests demanded a fairer and more inclusive society.
Mr. Turk said “But the potential for a historic transformation that would address long-standing challenges is far from being realized.”
The office has launched a new report documenting Sri Lanka’s human rights situation.
It outlines the challenges and opportunities to address them, in the wake of the 2022 economic crisis.
It indicated that the brutal decades-long civil war ended over 14 years ago, thousands of victims and their families in Sri Lanka still seek truth and justice.
OHCHR stated that the Government proposed a new truth-seeking mechanism, meaningful and transparent consultations with victims and civil society are essential for the success of any transitional justice process.
This includes putting an end to all forms of harassment and unlawful surveillance, and supporting initiatives to acknowledge and memorialize victims’ experiences.
“Truth-seeking alone will not suffice. It must also be accompanied by a clear commitment to accountability and the political will to implement far-reaching change,” Mr. Türk said.
The report raised concerns over proposed new laws, such as the Anti-Terrorism Bill before parliament and legislation to regulate broadcasting.
It highlights the need for comprehensive security sector reform, including reduced military spending and a cut in military personnel in areas affected by armed conflict.
The report called on the authorities to accelerate investigations and prosecutions into emblematic cases of human rights violations, and the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which claimed 269 lives and injured over 500.
The report summarized the impact of the 2022 economic crisis on the human rights and well-being of Sri Lankans.
OHCHR noted that the crisis resulted in severe shortages in fuel, electricity, food, medicines, and other essential items.
Some stabilization occurred in 2023, many experienced a sharp decline in living standards, and the country still grapples with a heavy debt burden.
According to the World Bank, poverty has doubled from 13 per cent in 2021 to 25 per cent in 2022 and it is projected to rise to 27.4 per cent this year, and remain over 25 per cent for the next few years.
OHCHR said that women have borne a “distinct impact” post-crisis, as many are primarily engaged in informal sectors of the economy and face limited access to social protection.
Food insecurity and access to health and education also remain major concerns.
The office noted 37 per cent of households faced acute food insecurity in November 2022, leading to a significant number of families buying cheaper less nutritious food and skipping meals leading to fears of rising malnutrition among children.
Mental health has also been affected as people face multiple stresses due to price increases, scarcity and loss of income.
Access to education is at risk, amid rising truancy due to competing economic needs, and higher transport and food costs.
OHCHR noted children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and girls are particularly vulnerable.
The report outlined a series of recommendations, including a call on the Government to guarantee people’s economic and social rights, tackle corruption and create an enabling environment for a successful and sustainable transitional justice process.
It urged increased women’s participation in political life and decision-making, and to ensure free and fair elections at all levels of government.
The report called on the international community to support effective and meaningful transitional justice processes, in compliance with international norms, and targeted sanctions against those credibly alleged to have perpetrated gross human rights violations.
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