UN Rights Chief Urges Sri Lanka to Act on Reform Pledges
- CNL Reporter
- August 14, 2025
- Political
- UN Rights Chief
- 0 Comments
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has urged Sri Lanka to seize a “historic opportunity” to implement transformative reforms, ensure accountability, and address the root causes of past conflict to secure lasting peace and national unity.
In its latest report to the UN Human Rights Council, OHCHR acknowledged government pledges to resolve emblematic human rights cases, uphold the rule of law, and end ethnic discrimination and divisive politics. However, it stressed that these commitments must be turned into a clear, time-bound action plan, including justice for civil war-era crimes, to rebuild public trust in state institutions.
The report noted a more inclusive tone from government leaders but said tangible results have yet to follow. It called for transparency in releasing all outstanding commission of inquiry reports and ensuring the impartiality of the Office on Missing Persons.
OHCHR also pressed for firm orders to security forces banning enforced disappearances, torture, sexual violence, and other abuses, coupled with systematic investigations and prosecutions. It urged an end to surveillance, harassment, and reprisals against civil society, journalists, victims, and their families.
Amid the ongoing economic crisis, the UN body called for fiscal policies aligned with human rights obligations, safeguarding social protections, and ensuring austerity measures do not disproportionately impact the vulnerable. It also appealed to Sri Lanka’s external creditors to grant the fiscal space needed to protect economic, social, and cultural rights.
