A softer UNHRC Resolution

A toned-down UN resolution on Sri Lanka now appears likely at the current session of the Human Rights Council. The government would prefer that the periodic scrutiny of its human rights record be wound down.

- BY JEHAN PERERA

The government would much rather have this thrice yearly procedure come to a permanent end without having to provide answers to the reports of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and to member countries of the UNHRC. However, the international human rights community is not prepared to let Sri Lanka slip off without fulfilling promises made in successive resolutions and by past governments. Long unresolved issues continue such as missing persons, long term prisoners, militarisation of the north and east and the absence of devolution of power, to mention but a few.

There are reasons to believe the next resolution will be softer. One is the diminished moral authority of some sponsoring states. The international human rights community has become compromised by the human rights tragedies and war crimes unfolding before the entire world. Another is the government’s visible progress against financial corruption and abuse of power, which gives it credibility domestically. The ruling National People’s Power (NPP) came into office on a strong mandate in 2024, with explicit pledges to end impunity, to deliver accountability, and equal citizenship for all. To the extent it follows its mandate, the government is well within its rights as a democracy.