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Resolution A/HRC/57/L.1 adopted without a vote at the UNHRC 57th Session

2024-10-10

In October 2024, the United Nations Human Rights Council UNHRC passed a resolution concerning Sri Lanka, which renewed the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights OHCHR to oversee and report on issues related to human rights, reconciliation, and accountability within the nation. This resolution, entitled "Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka" A/HRC/57/L.1, was unanimously adopted during the 57th session of the UNHRC held in Geneva on October 9, 2024. It received cosponsorship from several nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United States.

The resolution advocates for the continuation of the OHCHR's mandate as previously established in earlier resolutions, such as Resolution 51/1. It requests that the OHCHR deliver an oral update at the 58th session and submit a detailed report on advancements in human rights, reconciliation, and accountability in Sri Lanka at the 60th session, which will be addressed in an interactive dialogue.

The Sri Lankan government, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has dismissed the resolution, expressing concerns regarding its potential impact on national sovereignty and the creation of an external evidencegathering mechanism within the OHCHR. Himalee Arunatilaka, Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN, remarked that the resolution was introduced without the consent of Sri Lanka and reiterated the nation's dedication to resolving human rights and reconciliation issues through internal processes.

Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have praised the resolution, considering it a significant advancement in the protection of fundamental rights in Sri Lanka and a pursuit of justice for past injustices. They have urged the Sri Lankan government to disclose the status of victims of enforced disappearances, cease the harassment of victims and human rights advocates, and initiate credible investigations into alleged crimes committed during the civil conflict.

The adoption of this resolution signifies the continuous collaborative endeavours of local civil society groups and international nongovernmental organizations to tackle human rights issues in Sri Lanka, whereas the government's dismissal highlights the intricate challenge of reconciling international oversight with the principle of national sovereignty.