PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – UK Statement on Sri Lanka [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 September 2024.

UK Statement for the Interactive dialogue on the report of OHCHR on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka.

Thank you, Mr President.

High Commissioner,

The United Kingdom welcomes your report and shares your concern at the human rights trends that it highlights.

Fifteen years since the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka, there has been little to no accountability for conflict-era violations and abuses. The whereabouts of thousands of people who have disappeared in Sri Lanka remain unknown, causing ongoing anguish for their families. A comprehensive transitional justice process that carries the support of affected communities is more pressing than ever.

We call for independent investigations into the violations highlighted in your report, including all reports of abductions, arbitrary detentions, torture, and enforced disappearances. The human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Sri Lankans must be respected.

We remain concerned by the harassment of civil society, victim communities, and journalists, which undermines their vital role in national reconciliation and building a peaceful society in the future.

We hope that following presidential and parliamentary elections, the government prioritises improving human rights including through building confidence and transitional justice processes. These should be impartial, independent, inclusive, transparent, and offer meaningful accountability.

The United Kingdom stands ready to support Sri Lanka in addressing these challenges.