The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) presented its written update on Sri Lanka on the second day of the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, placing the country’s human rights situation, accountability and reconciliation efforts under renewed international scrutiny.

The written update was presented by UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Awa Dabo under Item 2 of the Council’s agenda, which covers reports and updates by the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General on human rights situations requiring the Council’s attention.

The OHCHR update reviews recent developments in Sri Lanka and assesses progress and remaining challenges relating to human rights, accountability, reconciliation and institutional reform.

The presentation comes as the Sri Lankan government continues to highlight measures aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, advancing reconciliation and addressing longstanding issues through domestic processes.

The OHCHR update also comes against the backdrop of continuing international concerns relating to accountability for alleged serious human rights violations, enforced disappearances, the protection of civic space and mechanisms to address the legacy of the country’s armed conflict.

The presentation of the written update is expected to be closely followed by the government, civil society organisations, victims’ groups and international observers as the Council considers developments and remaining challenges in the country.

In response to the OHCHR update, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva Sumith Dassanayake is expected to deliver a statement on behalf of the government.

The Ambassador is expected outline government measures relating to reconciliation, the repeal and replacement of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, proposed amendments to the Online Safety Act and steps being taken through the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations.

The 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council opened in Geneva on September 7 and will continue until October 7. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk also addressed the Council at the opening of the session, delivering his oral update on the global human rights situation.