By Sri Lanka’s Stance on Human Rights at the UNHRC Amid Controversy
Sri Lanka has expressed its regret over the inconsistent application of human rights principles by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during its statement at the 58th session in Geneva. This marks the first human rights update presented by the new government under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Controversial Representation at the UNHRC
The statement was delivered by Himalee Arunatilaka, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, on Monday (03). However, concerns have been raised regarding her suitability to represent the country, as she faces allegations of failing to pay her domestic worker. Critics argue that it is problematic for someone with such accusations to be the face of Sri Lanka’s human rights stance on an international platform.
Sri Lanka’s Position on Human Rights Resolutions
Arunatilaka emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to national ownership and gradual reforms as the only practical way forward for transformative change. She criticized the UNHRC’s approach, stating that the inconsistent application of human rights principles has eroded trust in the Council’s framework, making nations less inclined to respect its objectives.
Sri Lanka has long faced accusations of human rights violations, particularly during the final stages of its civil war in 2009. Both government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. A 2011 United Nations Panel of Experts reported “credible allegations” of such violations by both parties.
In response, the UNHRC has adopted multiple resolutions addressing accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Notably, a March 2021 resolution emphasized the importance of preserving evidence related to human rights violations, strengthening the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to collect and analyze such information. In October 2022, another resolution continued to push for accountability and reconciliation efforts.
Criticism of External Evidence Gathering
Sri Lanka has consistently opposed country-specific resolutions that lack the consent of the nation concerned. Arunatilaka reiterated Sri Lanka’s rejection of these resolutions and the external evidence-gathering mechanism set up under them. She argued that the mechanism contradicts the Council’s founding principles of impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity, calling it an “unprecedented and ad hoc expansion” of the UNHRC’s mandate.
She further contended that no sovereign state should accept an externally imposed mechanism that contradicts its Constitution and undermines its domestic legal processes. She also pointed out that several countries have raised concerns over the budgetary implications of this external mechanism, particularly at a time when the UN is facing severe financial constraints.
Commitment to Domestic Human Rights Initiatives
Despite international criticism, Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral cooperation for peace, prosperity, and sustainability while promoting and protecting human rights. Arunatilaka expressed continued support for institutions like the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), the Office for Reparations, and the National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR).
However, reports before the new government took power indicated ongoing restrictions on freedoms such as peaceful assembly, as well as allegations of excessive force used against protesters. Additionally, concerns remain over arbitrary arrests and detentions under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), a widely criticized counterterrorism law.
As Sri Lanka navigates its human rights obligations on the global stage, the controversy surrounding its UN representative underscores deeper concerns about the country’s commitment to accountability and justice.
