In 2005, Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka issued a warning about the presence of landmines and other unexploded ordnance. During the Sri Lankan Civil War, the region had its worst fighting.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) today released a report urging the Government of Sri Lanka to take decisive action to clarify the fate and whereabouts of tens of thousands of people who have been subjected to enforced disappearances over the years and to bring the perpetrators to justice. The report stresses that the government must acknowledge the involvement of national security forces and issue a public apology.
Beginning in the 70s of the twentieth century and continuing until 2009, Sri Lanka witnessed large-scale enforced disappearances, mainly by the national army and related paramilitary groups.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were also involved in the abductions, which the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances said amounted to enforced disappearances.
OHCHR notes that, despite a series of formal measures taken by successive governments, such as the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the establishment of the Office of Missing Persons and the Office of Reparations, real progress towards a comprehensive resolution of individual cases remains limited.
Ongoing suffering
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stressed that families waiting for news from their loved ones are still suffering continuously.
"This report reminds us once again that all Sri Lankans who have suffered enforced disappearances should not be forgotten," he said. Their families and those who care about them have been waiting for a long time. They have the right to know the truth. ”
Nearly 15 years after the end of the civil war, and decades after the first disappearance, Sri Lankan authorities have still failed to ensure accountability for these violations.
He stressed that accountability must be pursued. "We need to see institutional reforms so that reconciliation can succeed."
Harassment and intimidation
The report outlines the wide-ranging psychological, social and economic impact on families, particularly on women, who often become the main breadwinners in challenging working environments, including at risk of sexual harassment and exploitation.
Many women seeking information about their missing relatives face harassment, intimidation and violence by security forces.
Among them, a woman spoke about threats from the army and the police, highlighting the dangers faced by people running for the missing.
Still waiting
OHCHR noted that under international law, States have a clear obligation to address cases of enforced disappearances, which remain ongoing violations until clarified.
However, many families still do not receive answers. Speaking of his missing son at the National Commission, a man said: "Two weeks passed, two months passed, and then two years passed. It's been 32 years now and I'm still waiting".
