Archive · 26 Jun 2025
UN Rights Chief Urges Sri Lanka Accountability, Legal Reform
The UN's top human rights official, Volker Türk, visited Sri Lanka to talk about human rights.
He said that Sri Lanka needs to create its own system to ensure people are treated fairly and that those who commit abuses are held responsible.
He met with Sri Lankan leaders and heard from people affected by human rights violations.
Türk also wants Sri Lanka to get rid of certain laws that give the government too much power and could be used unfairly.
He believes that the country is showing a willingness to improve and that the UN is ready to help.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk emphasized the need for Sri Lanka's domestic rights accountability mechanism.
Türk stated that Sri Lanka has struggled with credible domestic accountability mechanisms.
He met with Sri Lankan President, Prime Minister, and other leaders, noting a genuine openness to address complex issues.
Türk discussed human rights issues with various groups, including civil society and victims.
He stressed the need to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the Online Safety Act.
- Who
- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk
- What
- UN official stresses need for Sri Lanka's domestic rights accountability and discusses repealing certain laws.
- When
- June 2024
- Where
- Sri Lanka
- Why
- To address human rights issues and advocate for accountability and legal reform.
UN Position
N/A
Accountability
UN Position
Supports national ownership of accountability mechanisms.
N/A
N/A
Legal Reform
UN Position
Advocates for repealing the PTA and Online Safety Act.
N/A
N/A
- Official
- Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
- Location
- Sri Lanka
- Topics Discussed
- Human rights, accountability mechanisms, legal reforms
- Acts Mentioned
- Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Online Safety Act
- Meetings Held
- With President, Prime Minister, other ministers and leaders