Lanka has opportunity to break from past - Türk

A report published on Wednesday by the UN Human Rights Office calls on Sri Lanka’s Government to seize the historic opportunity to break with entrenched impunity, implement transformative reforms, and deliver long-overdue justice and accountability for serious violations and abuses committed in the past, including international crimes.

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“Today, an opportunity presents itself for Sri Lanka to break from the past, with the leadership pledging a fresh direction on longstanding issues, including delivering justice to victims, restoring the rule of law, and eliminating discrimination and divisive politics. It now needs a comprehensive roadmap to translate these commitments into results,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Tiirk.

“This process should start with a clear and formal acknowledgment of the violations, abuses and crimes that occurred, including during the civil war, of the responsibility of the State and security forces personnel, as well as non-state armed groups such as the LTTE, and of the enduring impact of this violence on victims and communities. As I witnessed firsthand during my visit to Sri Lanka, the pain and suffering of victims remains palpable and their demands for truth and justice must be addressed.”