The 26 -year -old conflict from 1983 to 2009, opposed government forces to the Tamoul Eelam (LTTE) separatist Liberation Tigers – more commonly known as the Tamil tigers – which has sought an independent state for the Tamilian minority of the island in the north and east.
The civil war has made around 80,000 to 100,000 lives and thousands of others have disappeared, their fate still unknown. Hundreds of thousands have also been moved from their homes.
The last months have been among the bloodiest, with tens of thousands of civilians killed in blind bombings, extrajudicial executions and other violations of international law committed by both parties.
Transform the promises of results
In a new report Posted Wednesday, UN Human Rights Head Volker Türk said Government’s commitments to do justice, restore the rule of law and eliminate discrimination and division policy must finally give concrete results.
“” Today, an opportunity arises for Sri Lanka to break the past,“He said. »»He now needs a full roadmap to translate these commitments into results.“”
The report follows recent visit In Sri Lanka, where he met civil servants, civil society, the groups of the victims, the political parties and the religious leaders, and went to Trincomalee, Jaffna and Kandy – among the most affected areas.
He calls for clear recognition of the violations, abuses and crimes committed – including during the civil war – and the recognition of the responsibility of the State and that of its staff of the security forces as well as of the non -state armed groups, including the LTTE.
“” The pain and suffering of the victims remain palpable and their requests for truth and justice must be processed,»M. Türk underlined.
Call for scanning reforms
The report recommends a complete reform of the security sector and broader constitutional, legal and institutional changes to comply with international human rights obligations. It hosts the planned creation of an independent public office.
He also urges the creation of a dedicated judicial mechanism, including an independent special lawyer, to manage cases involving serious violations of human rights and serious violations of international humanitarian law.
The other recommendations include the release of land held by soldiers in the north and east, the repeal of the law on terrorism prevention (PTA) and the release of long -term PTA prisoners – some have imprisoned for decades.
The report also calls for the changes or the repeal of several restrictive laws, in particular those relating to data and online security, NGOs and civil and political rights.
International support
Although the main responsibility to investigate and pursue crimes is the government, the report calls for additional international support.
He urges the UN member states to contribute to efforts of responsibility and reconciliation, taking advantage of OhchrThe ability to undertake related work is reinforced.
“” These measures are crucial to carry out the government’s vision of “national unity” and above all ensure that there can never be a recurrence of past violations,“Said Mr. Türk.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
