Speaking at the 48^th UNHRC session, the EU delegation expressed regret that Sri Lanka “no longer support the UN framework to address the legacy of the past conflict, to ensure acknowledgements for victims, and to foster accountability, reconciliation and human rights”.

The delegation maintained the need for “continued efforts for reconciliation, accountability and human rights pursuant Council resolution 46/1”. They further called on the government to “guarantee the independence” of the Office of Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations.

This call follows increased alarm over these institutions following political appointments under the Rajapaksa regime, which Human Rights Watch, warns “gravely undermine its independence”. Commenting on the Office for Missing Persons Human Rights Watch highlights that recent appointments include Jayantha Wickramaratne, a former policeman accused of destroying evidence in the murder of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, and Upali Abeyrathne, who led last year’s commission seeking to exonerate alleged perpetrators.

The EU further commended on the need to amend Sri Lanka’s draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act and to protect civil society. The EU’s statement follows that of the UN High Commissioner which noted that “surveillance, intimidation and judicial harassment of human rights defenders, journalists and families of the disappeared has not only continued, but has broadened to a wider spectrum of students, academics, medical professionals and religious leaders critical of government policies."

Earlier this year the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the deterioration of human rights in Sri Lanka and called on the Council to consider suspending its favourable trading agreement, the GSP+.

The EU maintained its commitment to “strengthen the dialogue on governance, rule of law, devolution and human rights”.

Read the full statement here.