UN Human Rights Council – Suggested 2025 Resolution on Sri Lanka
Geneva, September 2025 – At its 60th session, the UN Human Rights Council is expected to adopt a new resolution on Sri Lanka, aimed at strengthening accountability, justice, and reconciliation for victims of the country’s decades-long conflict.
Key Highlights of the Draft Resolution
- Mandate Extended: The Council will extend the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and its Sri Lanka Accountability Project for two years, ensuring continued collection and preservation of evidence of war crimes and human rights violations.
- Justice & Accountability: The resolution calls for independent investigations and prosecutions of serious crimes, urging Sri Lanka to separate prosecutorial powers from the Attorney General’s office to guarantee impartiality.
- Repeal of Draconian Laws: It demands a moratorium and eventual repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and revisions to other laws – including the Online Safety Act – that restrict free expression, assembly, and civil society.
- Disappearances & Mass Graves: The resolution highlights the urgent need for credible forensic investigations into mass graves and enforced disappearances, with stronger victim-centered approaches and reforms to the Office on Missing Persons.
- Protection for Victims & Activists: It urges Sri Lanka to end harassment, intimidation, and surveillance of families of the disappeared, human rights defenders, and journalists, while guaranteeing reparations for victims.
- Minority Rights: The resolution emphasizes safeguarding the rights of Tamil and Muslim communities, including the protection of religious and cultural sites and fair access to land.
- Global Responsibility: UN Member States are encouraged to provide technical cooperation, share evidence, and pursue accountability through universal jurisdiction when national mechanisms fail.
- Reporting: The High Commissioner will deliver written updates at the 61st and 62nd sessions, with a full report and recommendations at the 63rd session.
Conclusion
This resolution, if passed, would represent the most comprehensive international effort since Resolution 46/1 (2021) to ensure that war crimes and ongoing abuses in Sri Lanka do not go unpunished. It underscores that accountability, justice, and human rights remain central to sustainable peace for Tamils and all communities on the island.
Thank you,
Tamil Diaspora News, USA
September 21,2025
news@tamildiasporanews.com
www.TamilDiasporaNews.com