The United Kingdom has urged Sri Lanka to make “tangible and sustained progress” on human rights and accountability, emphasizing the need to investigate mass grave sites according to international standards.
Delivering a statement at the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during Monday’s Interactive Dialogue on Sri Lanka, the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders welcomed the government’s stated commitments but stressed that concrete action remains crucial.
Ambassador Sanders highlighted ongoing concerns including arbitrary detention, custodial deaths, intimidation of human rights defenders, and the targeting of minority communities.
She expressed particular unease over the continued use of the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), despite public promises to repeal the law.
“We remain deeply concerned about the continued use of legislation such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act to restrict fundamental freedoms despite public commitments to abolish it,” Sanders said.
The UK also called for renewed efforts to strengthen domestic institutions focused on reparations and addressing the plight of missing persons.
It stressed that reconciliation and accountability processes must be inclusive, comprehensive, and aligned with international norms, ensuring the meaningful participation of affected communities.
The UK further urged the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to continue addressing conflict-related sexual violence, describing it as a priority issue requiring urgent attention.
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