Sri Lanka’s New Chapter Begins with Truth, Justice, and Reform

COLOMBO (News 1st); UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on Sri Lanka to seize a historic opportunity to heal from its past and build a more just, inclusive, and resilient future.

Speaking during a program in Colombo, Türk emphasized that Sri Lanka’s journey holds vital lessons not only for its own people but for the world at large.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said that Sri Lanka is a country of such immense human promise, and it has held to its democratic institutions through painful stresses and shocks.

He noted that the island is today recovering from decades of division and violence – and dealing also with deep economic crisis.

Türk warned that Sri Lanka is at risk of falling into two critical traps: impunity and inequality.

He said that it is for Sri Lankans to find their way out of those traps, and that he is in the country to encourage the Sri Lankans in that journey.  

The UN Rights Chief noted that coming to terms with the reality of massacres, terrorism, enforced disappearances, torture or sexual violence is a very painful process.

But, he noted that when there is no acknowledgment of the crimes inflicted on victims and their families – by all sides - grievances and hostility will fester.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk noted that an absence of justice will undermine the stability of peace.

Noting that his office has worked in Sri Lanka for 21 years to promote human dignity, justice and rights, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights noted that since the end of the civil war, OHCHR advocated and supported progress towards a more equal society, free of discrimination, with transparent, accountable institutions, and meaningful participation by the people in decision-making and public life.  

He noted that the full participation of women is also essential to every aspect of society, including economic growth and the work of making and sustaining peace, noting that women must have an important role in peacebuilding in Sri Lanka, and in every area of life for that matter, from education to health to representation in parliament.

He said that Human Rights is about Sri Lankans, their concerns, rights, freedom, and lives.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said his office brings to this country a mirror that may sometimes show an uncomfortable image – as mirrors do – but which reflects back your truth.

He said that Sri Lanka is at a key moment, and this can be a new chapter and a new opportunity.