A group of countries led by the United Kingdom has called on Sri Lanka to translate its stated commitment to human rights reform into concrete action, while welcoming recent steps taken by the government.

The statement was delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders, during the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva today (08). It was issued on behalf of the Sri Lanka Core Group comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the United Kingdom.

The group welcomed what it described as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ balanced assessment of the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, while noting that the country has recently faced significant challenges, including severe weather events and global energy shocks.

The countries welcomed Sri Lanka’s ratification of International Labour Organization Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work, as well as its engagement on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

However, the group said further action was required to build public confidence in accountability and reconciliation efforts.
It said progress in several high-profile cases had not yet been matched by a comprehensive, victim-centred accountability process to address past human rights violations.

The statement also highlighted ongoing concerns over enforced disappearances, saying the excavation of mass graves served as a stark reminder that thousands of cases remained unresolved.

The group expressed further concern over reports of alleged intimidation, harassment and restrictions affecting civil society organisations, journalists and victims’ groups.

The countries urged the Sri Lankan government to make further progress on democratic governance through transparent and inclusive consultation processes that address the concerns of all affected communities.

They also called for legal and institutional reforms, the resolution of land-related issues, greater respect for human rights in detention institutions and the strengthening of independent institutions.

Meanwhile, 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.