UNHRC expresses concerns on progress of transitional justice in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st)- The UN Human Rights Council expressed doubts whether Sri Lanka would be able to completely implement the UNHCR's recommendations before March 2019. Deputy High Commissioner Kate Gilmore expressed these concerns during a statement at the 37th session of the UNHRC yesterday (22nd March). The statement was regarding the progress Sri Lanka has made on reconciliation, accountability and human rights. Sri Lanka was granted 18 months by a UNHRC resolution in October 2015 to conduct a credible investigation into the nearly three-decades-long civil war against the LTTE. Ms. Gilmore said, it is regrettable that the progress in establishing a transitional justice mechanism has been slow. She further said that there has been unsatisfactory progress in returning land occupied by the military. The government authorities are yet to demonstrate their willingness to address the violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law she further added.