"Notwithstanding the commendable progress the Sri Lankan Government has made in resettlement and reconstruction, the High Commissioner firmly believes that a more fundamental and far-reaching accountability process in Sri Lanka, addressing both past and ongoing violations, is absolutely necessary for Sri Lankans to come to terms with their past, end impunity, achieve reconciliation between communities and strengthen the rule of law," the High Commissioner said.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its oral update on the investigation on Sri Lanka, which will be formally communicated to the UN Human Rights Council at its ongoing regular session on Wednesday, said the UN Human Rights Chief Prince Zeid Ra'ad Zeid Al- Hussein intends the comprehensive investigation mandated by the Human Rights Council and being undertaken by OHCHR to make an important contribution in this regard.
"He therefore appeals once again to the Sri Lankan authorities to cooperate fully with the investigation, as well as with the relevant Special Procedures mandate holders, in the long-term interests of all Sri Lankans," the update said.
While regretting the Government's rejection of resolution 25/1 and position of non-cooperation with the investigation, the High Commissioner encouraged the Government to keep its channels open.
Sri Lanka maintains that the probe is an unnecessary and unethical intrusion into the island nations' sovereignty and the government has rejected the investigative panel appointed by his predecessor Navi Pillay and announced that the OHCHR team will not be given permission to conduct an investigation in the country.
The High Commissioner urged the Sri Lankan Government to seize the opportunity presented by the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission to address many root causes and structural issues that contributed to the conflict, and lay the basis for longer-term reconciliation.
"While noting the steps taken to expand the remit of the Commission of Inquiry on missing persons, he hopes the Government will initiate a comprehensive truth seeking process, as recommended by his predecessor and echoed by the Human Rights Council.," the oral update said.
The High Commissioner further urged the Sri Lankan government to end the climate of intimidation, threat and harassment against civil society actors advocating for justice and human rights, as well as incitement to hatred and violence against the country's Muslim and Christian minorities, which will only undermine the prospects for peace and reconciliation.
The High Commissioner noted that the Government has invited him to visit Sri Lanka and he will be meeting with the Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs in New York later this month, the update said.
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