Proposed reconciliation mechanism: Int’l HR groups unhappy

Nine international human rights organisations including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW) are critical of the proposed formation of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission.

Issuing a joint statement, “Sri Lanka’s Flawed Plans for a ‘Truth Commission’ , they have pointed out that their concerns echo many of those already raised by victims of conflict-related abuses and their families.

The statement claims that Sri Lanka has a long history of convening similar bodies, but none of which has provided justice, truth or reparation to the many people who have engaged with them, adding that the latest initiative risks repeating the mistakes of the past, exposing victims to renewed security threats and re-traumatisation without any realistic chance of a different outcome.

“There have not been any genuine confidence-building measures or steps to ensure a safe and conducive environment for such a commission to function effectively. There has been no meaningful consultation, including with affected communities”, it said.

In addition, they highlight in the statement that as set out in reports to the United Nations Human Rights Council, existing domestic transitional justice mechanisms such as the Office of Missing Persons are unable to function effectively, and there are ongoing attempts to block prosecutions of crimes under international law.

“The Sri Lankan government should approach transitional justice as a holistic process that includes truth-seeking, investigation and prosecution of international crimes, and effective remedies such as reparations, redress and guarantees of non-recurrence”.

“Any successful transitional justice process requires inclusive consultation with stakeholders, including with victims and civil society organisations, and substantial confidence-building measures to ensure that victims can participate without fear. It must have credibility among affected communities”, the statement asserted.

Furthermore, they highlight that according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, numerous commissions of inquiry appointed by successive governments failed to credibly establish truth and ensure accountability.

The joint statement, which underscores multiple legacy of failed commissions, also noted that there is no indication in the government’s current proposals for a National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, or in the manner and circumstances in which it is being established, to suggest that it will be willing or able to provide truth, justice or reparation where previous commissions have failed.

“Many victims and their relatives have already engaged in multiple similar processes over decades. The current proposals risk further re-traumatisation, with little expectation that victims’ rights and needs will be addressed”, it added.