Sri Lanka urged to step up accountability, reconciliation efforts at UNHRC

Sri Lanka must translate its stated commitment to reform into concrete progress despite facing considerable challenges recently, including severe weather events and global energy shocks.

The Sri Lanka Core Group—comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the UK—delivered this joint statement at the UN Human Rights Council 63rd session.

Positive developments were welcomed, including the ratification of ILO Convention 190 and Sri Lanka’s engagement on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

However, further action is needed to build confidence in accountability and reconciliation efforts.

Progress in several emblematic cases has not yet been accompanied by a comprehensive, victim-centred accountability process to address past violations.

Mass grave excavations serve as a stark reminder that thousands of cases of enforced disappearances remain unresolved.

Reports of intimidation, harassment, and restrictions affecting civil society, journalists, and victims’ groups, particularly in the North and East, continue to raise concerns.

The Core Group urged progress on democratic governance through transparent and inclusive consultation processes addressing the needs of all affected communities.

Recommended measures include advancing legal and institutional reforms, resolving land-related issues, ensuring respect for human rights in detention institutions, and strengthening independent institutions.