UN to Scrutinise Sri Lanka's Human Rights Record at 60th Session
The UN Human Rights Council is set to scrutinise Sri Lanka's human rights record and accountability measures at its 60th session, from 8 September to 8 October 2025. The session follows the release of a comprehensive OHCHR report on Sri Lanka, which calls for expanded transitional justice measures and an independent judicial mechanism.
The Sri Lanka Accountability Project (SLAP), established through Resolution 46/1, continues to gather evidence of international crimes committed in Sri Lanka for future prosecutions. The OHCHR report, presented by High Commissioner Volker Turk, stresses the need for a judicial mechanism with an independent special counsel and a public prosecutorial authority that enjoys complete independence, efficiency, and competency.
The interactive dialogue on the report is scheduled for 8 September 2025, with action on Sri Lanka likely to be considered on 7 October 2025. The UN Human Rights Council will discuss Sri Lanka's human rights and accountability issues, building upon the consensus resolution (Res. 57/1) adopted in October 2024. This resolution extended the OHCHR's mandate and requested the comprehensive report presented at the 60th session.
The OHCHR report urges the Sri Lankan government to expand transitional justice measures beyond the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparation. The UN Human Rights Council's upcoming session provides an opportunity for Sri Lanka to address these concerns and take concrete steps towards accountability and reconciliation.
