The decision to defer a United Nations investigation into mass atrocities in Sri Lanka must ensure that perpetrators of crimes committed during the armed conflict cannot escape unpunished, said Amnesty International.
“A delay is only justifiable if more time will lead to a stronger document and to a concrete commitment by the new Sri Lankan authorities to actively pursue accountability. This includes by co-operating with the UN to investigate conflict-era abuses and bring perpetrators to justice,” said Richard Bennett, Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific Director.
Mr Bennet further added that “survivors of torture, including sexual abuse, people whose family members were killed or forcibly disappeared have waited a long time for this report.”
Tamils Against Genocide (TAG) said on Monday that it was "deeply disappointed on behalf of our witnesses, who came forward to submit their testimonies and evidence of war crimes to the UN inquiry at grave risk to themselves and families back home".
“Sri Lankan victims of human rights violations deserve truth and justice,” added Mr Bennet.
His remarks come as Amnesty International published its written submission to the 28th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
The submission stated “the legacy of impunity in Sri Lanka stretches back years, and includes violations and abuses committed before and during the long armed conflict and since it ended.”
“Domestic investigations will not negate the need for continued international action and engagement to ensure justice and accountability in Sri Lanka, or Sri Lanka’s need to cooperate with the UN, including OISL.”
See the full submission here.
Also see our earlier posts:
'Justice has been delayed' by deferring OISL report, says TNA MP (17 Feb 2015)
Witnesses 'deeply disappointed' by UN inquiry delay says TAG (16 Feb 2015)
Human Rights Council gives Sri Lanka 6 months to cooperate with UN inquiry (16 Feb 2015)
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