UN Human Rights Chief pledges support to build domestic accountability mechanism

UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Türk - Pic by Upul Abayasekara

• Urges to see the real momentum of change in Sri Lanka
• Assures UN Human Rights Commission can support future accountability efforts both in Sri Lanka and internationally
• Commends Govt. for facilitating visit 
• Notes discussions were held to create independent prosecutor
• Emphasises PTA should be repealed
• Asserts torture needs to be addressed

By Shanika Sriyananda

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has pledged support to the Government to build up a domestic accountability mechanism on par with international standards to respond to the needs, aspirations, and expectations of the victims.

Türk, wrapping up his four-day visit to Sri Lanka after meeting President Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday afternoon, revealed this at a media briefing held at the UN Compound in Colombo before his departure.

“It is important that domestic accountability mechanisms are functioning and these are part of the discussions we had with the Government. For example, we discussed how to create an independent prosecutor and how to build up a domestic accountability system,” he said.

He said that it was the process that was currently ongoing in the country and human rights always remained a matter of international concern—not just in Sri Lanka but everywhere in the world.

“I see the real momentum of change. Our discussions showed the openness to address complex issues. During my visit, I discussed an array of human rights issues with a wide range of actors from the country’s political sector, religious leaders, members of civil societies, and victims of human rights abuses,” he said, commending the support given by the Government during his visit and also granting access to recently opened mass graves in Chemmani in northern Sri Lanka. 

Türk said he said he had a dialogue with civil societies and listened to heartbreaking testimonies of survivors and victims of human rights abuses.

“It is a compelling reminder that the past haunts the lives of many in Sri Lanka. I had the chance to meet a family who is still searching and grieving for their loved ones even after years, and thousands of others want closure after 30 years,” he said, adding that he is encouraged to have a space for memorialisation of victims.

Meanwhile, he said the legacy of the past presents a daunting challenge to the new Government but in speeches of the President over the past months, he has publicly recognised the shared pain and grief of individuals from all the communities.

“It is important to build on this momentum and translate it into tangible results so the truth on what happened to the loved ones will be unearthed. Acknowledging the truth is an important step towards healing and closure to justice and non-recurrence,” he further said.

The UN Human Rights Chief said that his office had been mandated to get, gather, and preserve information while analysing violations on human rights abuses and had established a dedicated project for the purpose.

“My office can support future accountability efforts both in Sri Lanka and internationally. The Government has re-opened investigations and prosecution for some important cases, including the Easter Sunday attack. I encouraged this to be advanced,” he emphasised. 

Türk also said that they discussed the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and from their perspective, it was clear it should be repealed.

“We were informed about the steps that are being taken to repeal the PTA and it is also a part of the previous report of my office,” he said while emphasising the need to bring Police reforms, especially to address torture.

“Many countries around the world are struggling with addressing torture. It requires very consistent efforts of an independent complaint mechanism so that people can come forward to complain,” he explained.

According to Türk, the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission, which has a strong relationship with the UN Human Rights Commission, has lots of expertise to address the issue and should be strengthened.