HRC57 - NB8 statement - Sri Lanka

Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session
Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the OHCHR report on Sri Lanka
Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states
9 September 2024

Mr. President,

I speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states. We thank the High Commissioner for this update. We recognize the deep impact of the economic crisis on all in Sri Lanka.

This report sets a call for action. We call on the government to take immediate and credible steps to strengthen accountability and reconciliation efforts, address all violations committed during and after the civil war and put an end to impunity. The tens of thousands of unsolved cases of enforced disappearances should be addressed with urgency. Acts of commemoration need protection.

Ahead of the Presidential elections, we call on repealing or amending existing and proposed laws that restrict civic space and fundamental freedoms as these freedoms are cornerstones of democracy and need special protection.

We support the recommendations of the High Commissioner’s report and call upon Sri Lanka to cooperate fully with the Office in line with resolution 51/1.

High Commissioner, what should the international community prioritize in supporting accountability in Sri Lanka?

I thank you.