Evolution of UNHRC resolutions on Sri Lanka: From sovereignty to accountability

IN May 2009, as the guns fell silent over Nandikadal, Sri Lanka claimed victory not only on the battlefield but also in Geneva.

- 

Healing a society after three decades of war cannot be reduced to checklists in Geneva

When the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted Resolution S-11/1, Colombo hailed it as a diplomatic triumph — an endorsement of sovereignty, a recognition of humanitarian relief efforts, and a rejection of external interference. Yet 16 years later, the same Council continues to debate Sri Lanka's human-rights record, fund an evidence-preservation mechanism, and call for accountability that remains unresolved. The evolution of these resolutions reveals a deeper truth: Sri Lanka's “victory” in 2009 was conditional, and unfulfilled promises transformed praise into prolonged scrutiny.

The UNHRC's 11th Special Session on 26-27 May 2009 produced Resolution S-11/1, “Assistance to Sri Lanka in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.” Adopted with 29 votes in favour, 12 against, and six abstentions, the text largely shaped by Sri Lanka's skillful diplomacy welcomed the end of hostilities, commended the Government's relief efforts, condemned the LTTE, and reaffirmed sovereignty and territorial integrity. Crucially, it contained no call for investigation or accountability.

At a time when Western governments were criticising Sri Lanka's final offensive, this resolution offered political cover and symbolised vindication a rare moment when the Global South rallied to defend a state's right to manage post-conflict affairs without foreign intrusion.

Yet this victory was not absolute. Embedded in the resolution and more clearly in the Joint Statement of 23 May 2009 issued during UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's visit to Colombo were two key undertakings:

1. To address alleged violations of humanitarian and human rights law through domestic mechanisms; and

2. To pursue a political solution based on devolution under the 13th Amendment.