UNOHCHR Report raises major concerns about Sri Lanka

Colombo (News 1st) - The annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has noted that the potential for a historic transformation of governance in Sri Lanka, for which hopes were raised during mass protests last year, have not been realized.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk noted in the report that “More than a year ago mass protests demanded better governance and an inclusive vision for Sri Lanka - in short, a renewal of the social contract. But the potential for a historic transformation that would address long-standing challenges is far from being realised”.

The report also notes that “Sri Lanka suffers from a continuing accountability deficit - be it for war crime atrocities, more recent human rights violations, corruption, or abuse of power - which must be addressed for the country to move forward”.

ELECTIONS

Noting that local government elections have been delayed, the UNOHCHR Report has also called for the government to “Ensure the right to political participation and the free expression of voters through free and fair elections at all levels of government”

BROADCAST BILL

The report also highlighted concerns over the proposed Broadcasting Regulatory Commission

“The proposed Broadcasting Regulatory Commission would comprise five Government-appointed officials, raising serious questions about its independence. The draft Bill states as its aim ‘to ensure that broadcasting services shall provide people true and accurate information’, a vague and ambiguous standard that could lead to arbitrary application. Thus, the draft Bill raises concerns about its potential to further unduly restrict freedom of expression and appears incompatible with article 19(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” the report states.

EASTER SUNDAY ATTACKS

The OHCHR has also urged the government to expedite investigations and prosecutions into emblematic cases of human rights violations, such as the Easter Sunday bombings.

“The High Commissioner has previously urged an independent investigation with international assistance to pursue further lines of inquiry into the full circumstances of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks”, the report noted.

TRUTH-SEEKING MECHANISM

The report also casts doubts over the Government’s proposed new truth-seeking mechanism with regard to disappearances.

“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,” High Commissioner Türk said.