The co-sponsors of Sri Lanka's UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution on Wednesday expressed disappointment that the "pace of progress has been slow", adding that "much still remains to be done to implement Sri Lanka’s commitments".
The United States, UK, Macedonia and Montenegro also highlighted ongoing reports of human rights abuses by Sri Lankan security personnel.
"We remain concerned about reports of abuse of authority by some security officials. And multiple incidents of intercommunal violence, attacks, and hate speech against minorities are alarming and demonstrate the need for reconciliation efforts," the co-sponsors said in a joine statement on Wednesday at the UNHRC's 37th session in Geneva.
"As Sri Lanka acknowledged with its co-sponsorship of resolution 30/1, devolution of political authority through constitutional reform is integral to lasting reconciliation and non-recurrence of violations and abuses. Families of disappeared persons from all communities have waited too long for answers. We urge that the Office of Missing Persons be fully operational without delay, and for meaningful steps to establish the other transitional justice mechanisms outlined in resolution 30/1. Effective security sector reforms, repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and release of more military-occupied land to civilian ownership, will all help build trust and confidence."
"With determined leadership and a clear timeline for action, this Government can deliver the reform and justice agenda, and take the actions needed to support long-term reconciliation, with the support of all Sri Lankans."
"Sri Lanka still has an historic opportunity to avoid returning to divisions of the past. We firmly believe that implementing the reforms in resolutions 34/1 and 30/1 will help give all Sri Lankans assurance of the safe, peaceful, and prosperous future they deserve."
Read statement in full here.
