In a pivotal move toward accountability and justice, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has released a comprehensive report highlighting the widespread issue of enforced disappearances in Sri Lanka. This report, titled “Accountability for Enforced Disappearances in Sri Lanka,” sheds light on the persistent challenge of holding perpetrators accountable while emphasizing the need for a robust legal framework to address these human rights violations.
The report reveals that enforced disappearances have been a significant concern in Sri Lanka, particularly during the civil conflict that lasted from 1983 to 2009. Despite the war ending over a decade ago, thousands of cases remain unresolved, with families still searching for their missing loved ones. The HRCSL report estimates that tens of thousands of individuals have disappeared, making Sri Lanka one of the countries with the highest numbers of enforced disappearances globally.
One of the critical findings of the report is the lack of effective legal and institutional mechanisms to investigate and prosecute those responsible for enforced disappearances. The report underscores the need for the Sri Lankan government to implement reforms that will facilitate the search for truth and justice. It calls for establishing a comprehensive database of missing persons and strengthening the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) to enhance its investigative capabilities.
Moreover, the report provides a series of recommendations to the Sri Lankan government and international community, urging them to prioritize the issue of enforced disappearances and take decisive actions. These recommendations include enacting specific legislation to criminalize enforced disappearances, ensuring the independence of investigative bodies, and providing adequate support and compensation to the families of victims.
The HRCSL report serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice faced by the victims of enforced disappearances and their families. It emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency in building a society that respects and upholds human rights.
Read the report: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sri-lanka/report-accountability-enforced-disappearances-sri-lanka-may2024-en.pdf
