No Significant Progress in Key Case Investigations: Co-Sponsoring Countries

09-Sep-2026

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The United Kingdom-led co-sponsoring countries have pointed out that no significant progress has been made in investigations into key cases and urged the Sri Lankan Government to fulfil its commitments regarding accountability and reconciliation.

At the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on September 8, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif presented the written report of High Commissioner Volker Türk on progress in promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka.

During the subsequent general debate attended by member states, the representative of the United Kingdom, speaking on behalf of the co-sponsoring countries, including Canada, Malawi, Montenegro and North Macedonia, welcomed what he described as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ fair assessment of the situation in Sri Lanka.

He also commended the positive progress made by Sri Lanka in several areas despite challenges arising from natural disasters in the country and the global crisis.

However, he pointed out that no significant progress had been made in investigations into key cases and urged the Sri Lankan Government to fulfil its commitments regarding accountability and reconciliation.

He also expressed concern that surveillance of affected persons, including families of victims, continued in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

He further said issues including the failure to fully release land still held by the military should be addressed.