The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday adopted a resolution titled “Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka” (A/HRC/60/L.1/Rev.1) without a vote, a statement issued by the UNHRC said.
The resolution, introduced by a core group of countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, acknowledges recent efforts by Sri Lanka’s government to address longstanding human rights concerns stemming from the country’s decades-long ethnic conflict.
However, it stresses that these commitments must translate into tangible reforms. Among the key recommendations are the exhumation of mass graves to aid investigations into enforced disappearances, the creation of an independent prosecutor’s office to address conflict-era violations, and the repeal or reform of controversial laws such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Online Safety Act to bring them in line with international standards.
The resolution also calls for an end to the harassment and surveillance of human rights defenders and families of the disappeared. It highlights the continued role of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in supporting accountability and reconciliation efforts through technical assistance and monitoring.
Sri Lanka reiterated its position that domestic processes should drive reconciliation and accountability. The government has expressed concern that external mechanisms undermine national sovereignty and may hinder internal progress.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission as part of its ongoing efforts toward healing and justice.