Concluding her visit to the island the UK's state minister for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the prime minister's special representative on preventing sexual violence in conflict, Baroness Joyce Anelay reiterated there was "still much more to do, both to end sexual violence and to secure long term peace and stability."
Ms Anelay, who stressed that "accountability is vital" in addressing sexual violence, added, "first, because it signals society’s rejection of sexual violence and shows that there will be no impunity. Secondly, it is about valuing the victims and helping to restore their dignity. Finally, and crucially, it is vital for securing post conflict peace and reconciliation in the communities in which survivors live."
"Evidence shows that if it has not been confronted, it can erode hope in the future and undermine trust between communities. That’s why this subject is too important to ignore: addressing it will be an important step forward towards your goal of long term reconciliation," she added.
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Coverage of her visit:
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See here for full statement. Extract reproduced below:
"I hope that the renewed partnership between the UK and the Sri Lankan military will not only help to achieve our shared goal of having modern militaries focused on future risks, including through Peace Keeping Operations, but also to share experience on how best to tackle issues of sexual violence at home and abroad.
In the course of my visit many people have reminded me both that much has been done since President Sirisena was elected in January last year and also that there is still much more to do, both to end sexual violence and to secure long term peace and stability.
As Sri Lanka works towards this goal, as well as delivering the commitments set out in the UN Human Rights Council Resolution, you can count on the full support of the United Kingdom.
We are already sharing experience on policing. I saw this for myself in Jaffna yesterday when I visited our long running community policing programme, which trains police officers working on women’s and children’s issues.
We are also helping to ensure women’s views are represented in the Government’s plans for truth and reconciliation. Experience from elsewhere shows that when women are involved, peace processes are more likely to succeed long term. Another important area that we support is de-mining. This is vital to enable families to re-build their lives after conflict. I was pleased I had the opportunity when I was in Jaffna yesterday to visit Tellipalai to see what a difference this is making to communities that have been displaced from their homes for many years. I am delighted that the UK will be providing £1.5 million to the HALO Trust over the next three years to support your Government’s target to clear all mines by 2020.
Our countries are fortunate to enjoy a strong and enduring relationship. We do not underestimate the challenges of dealing with the legacy of a thirty year conflict. As I commented to your Prime Minister when we met earlier this evening, we welcome the determination of the Government of Sri Lanka to face up to these challenges. I encourage it to stay the course.
As it does so, the Government can count on the full support and encouragement of the UK. As you seek to come to terms with the past and build a successful future for all the people of Sri Lanka, we will be by your side."