Sri Lanka, UN advance talks on Haiti troop deployment under rights compliance framework

Friday, 24 April 2026 05:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Discussions on the prospective deployment of Sri Lankan troops to Haiti under a proposed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) centred on operational readiness, compliance with UN standards, and adherence to human rights requirements during high-level talks in New York.

A Sri Lankan delegation led by Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha held a series of meetings with senior United Nations officials as part of ongoing Memorandum of Understanding negotiations linked to the proposed deployment.

The delegation included Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN Jayantha Jayasooriya, the Military Advisor to the UN, and other senior officials. During the visit, the Defence Secretary met with Atul Khare and Michael Mulinge Kitivi, Director of the Uniformed Capabilities Support Division, along with representatives of UN human rights mechanisms.

A key area of deliberation was the need for a robust and transparent human rights screening process for all personnel. The Sri Lankan side said the Government is developing a comprehensive national human rights vetting mechanism applicable to all troops deploying for UN field missions, including the proposed Haiti operation.

Sri Lanka also reaffirmed that it is working with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in Sri Lanka to operationalise the framework in line with UN guidelines and best practices, signalling its commitment to accountability in peace support operations.