The Sri Lankan Government today said it will ensure that the content and recommendations of the UNHRC report receive due attention of the relevant authorities including the new mechanisms that are envisaged to be set up.

Unveiling the report of the OHCHR investigations carried out into allegations of human rights violations, the UN high commissioner for human rights had urged the creation of a special court to look into atrocities committed during Sri Lanka’s long civil war.

Zeid Raad al-Hussein pointed to horrific abuses during the conflict, including torture, executions, and sexual abuse by security forces, as well as suicide attacks, assassinations and recruitment of child soldiers by rebels.

As he presented a 270-page report focusing on the period from 2002 to 2011, Zeid called Wednesday for a “hybrid special court” that would include foreign judges and investigators.

Zeid’s office also published on its website a response from the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry that said the government will make sure the report and recommendations “receive due attention” of authorities. 

It said the government will ensure dialogue with victims, the military, civil society and Zeid’s office.

The Government of Sri Lanka said it remains firm in its conviction to take all possible measures to ensure non—recurrence in keeping with the mandate given by the people of the country twice this year.

The response said that the government will ensure dialogue and wide consultations with all stakeholders especially the victims of conflict, in putting in place mechanisms and measures that will facilitate the right to know, right to justice, reparations and guaranteeing non—recurrence with the aim of achieving reconciliation and durable peace to ensure long—term progress of all citizens.

“The Government of Sri Lanka takes note also of the Report of the OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka [OISL), recognises fully that this Report represents a human rights investigation and not a criminal investigation, and will ensure that its content as well as recommendations receive due attention of the relevant authorities including the new mechanisms that are envisaged to be set up.”

See Full Response Below: 

Government response to the Report of the OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka