The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) presented its written update on Sri Lanka as the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council opened in Geneva, bringing renewed international attention to the country’s human rights situation, accountability and reconciliation process.
The written update was presented under Item 2 of the Council’s agenda, which deals with reports and updates from the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General on human rights situations requiring the Council’s attention.
The OHCHR update examines recent developments in Sri Lanka and comes amid continuing international scrutiny of the Government’s progress on accountability, reconciliation and institutional reform.
The presentation of the written update was among the key Sri Lanka-related developments at the opening of the Council session. It provides the latest assessment by the UN human rights office of developments in the country, including steps taken by the Government and outstanding concerns relating to human rights and accountability.
The update comes against the backdrop of longstanding UN concerns over accountability for alleged serious human rights violations, enforced disappearances, the protection of civic space and the need for credible mechanisms to address the legacy of Sri Lanka’s armed conflict.
The UN Human Rights Council’s latest assessment also follows a period in which the Sri Lankan Government has highlighted its efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, combat corruption and advance reconciliation and accountability through domestic processes.
The presentation of the OHCHR written update is therefore expected to attract particular attention from the Sri Lankan Government, victims’ groups, civil society and international observers as the Council considers Sri Lanka’s progress and remaining challenges.
The 63rd session 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.
