The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has called on the UN Human Rights Council to establish an independent and international inquiry into war crimes and past violations of human rights law in Sri Lanka.
IBAHRI Co-Chair Baroness Helena Kennedy QC said,
“In the absence of an independent judiciary, the IBAHRI has noted on multiple occasions the inability of the Sri Lankan legal system to provide redress for alleged human rights violations and war crimes.
“In light of this, the IBAHRI fully supports the recommendations put forward in the report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and strongly urges the UN Human Rights Council, to adopt these recommendations in the forthcoming resolution on Sri Lanka.”
The Executive Director of the organisation, Mark Ellis added prosecutions are essential for sustainable peace in Sri Lanka.
“In order for there to be sustainable peace in Sri Lanka, it is essential to hold proper investigations and prosecutions into the alleged war crimes and human rights violations of the past committed by both sides, as well as to establish an independent and effective justice system that properly protects against, and provides reparation for any future violations. We are hopeful that the UNHRC debate will take the first step in establishing accountability,” he said.