Sri Lanka: Resolution 30/1 Implementation Monitor: Statistical and Analytical Review No. 4

Abstract

Sri Lanka’s progress in implementing Resolution 30/1 is due to be taken up for discussion at the UNHRC’s 40th session in February and March 2019. The Council will consider the report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Sri Lanka and discuss the implementation of Resolution 30/1. VR released an analysis of government progress in fulfilling the 36 actionable commitments in Resolution 30/1 in June 2016, March 2017 and February 2018. This brief contains an updated analysis of progress since February 2018. Four years after co-sponsoring Resolution 30/1, the Sri Lankan government has fulfilled six out of 36 commitments on reconciliation, human rights and accountability. Three commitments saw an improvement in their implementation status since February 2018. These improvements resulted from the operationalisation of the OMP; the enactment of legislation to set up an Office for Reparations; and the criminalisation of enforced disappearances. Most commitments contained in Resolution 30/1 saw no change in implementation status over the past year. Commitments that remain partially fulfilled include the release of military-held land; the review, repeal and replacement of the PTA; and investigations into attacks on journalists, religious minorities and civil society actors. Commitments that remained in the ‘poor progress’ category include those on security sector reform and demilitarization, devolution of power; and protection of witnesses and victims of crime.