Scars of Violations Still Unhealed; Joint Statement by States Led by the UK

10-Sep-2025

.

Victims of unlawful killings, torture, and sexual violence in Sri Lanka continue to suffer, with the scars of past violations still persisting, the group of core-supporter states on Sri Lanka led by the UK told the Human Rights Council.

Speaking on behalf of the UK, Canada, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Malawi during the debate on the High Commissioner’s report, the UK representative welcomed Türk’s recent visit to Sri Lanka.

He stressed that the Prevention of Terrorism Act must be repealed, and that the longstanding cycle of impunity must end. He also insisted that mass grave exhumations in Sri Lanka must be carried out in line with international standards, and that an independent prosecutor’s office must be established.