Sri Lanka should comply with the March 2014 United Nations Human Rights Council resolution, which created an international investigation into allegations of serious abuses by both sides, Human Rights Watch said today.
The New York-based organisation said Sri Lanka had resisted taking meaningful steps to investigate allegations of war crimes as recommended by previous resolutions in 2012 and 2013.
“The Sri Lankan government denounced the Human Rights Council resolution, yet for five long years it has failed to act on its promises to investigate and bring to justice wartime atrocities,” said Brad Adams, Asia director of HRW.
“The government should finally accept the council’s vote and assist the investigation, which represents the best hope yet for victims awaiting justice.”
“This is the third council resolution on Sri Lanka in three years and reflects the impatience of the international community to see justice done. The resolution is not only a huge step forward for conflict-era accountability, but it also acknowledges that ongoing abuses need to stop.” he said.