Sri Lanka: Resolution 30/1 Implementation Monitor: Statistical and Analytical Review No. 3

Abstract

The government’s commitments in Resolution 30/1 have come to denote the main features of Sri Lanka’s transitional justice agenda, particularly with regard to accountability mechanisms for abuses suffered by victims of the conflict. Sri Lanka’s progress on reconciliation, accountability, and human rights is due to be taken up for discussion at the UNHRC’s 37th Session to be held in February and March 2018. VR released an analysis of government progress in fulfilling the 36 actionable commitments in Resolution 30/1 in June 2016 and in March 2017. This briefing note contains an updated analysis of progress since March 2017.During the past year, the Sri Lankan government has made minimal progress towards the fulfillment of its commitments in Resolution 30/1. Only two out of 36 commitments saw an improvement in their implementation status in recent months. Moreover, since March 2017, the government lost ground in the fulfillment of five commitments. These commitments include the establishment of accountability mechanisms, and the prevention of attacks against religious minorities. Approximately two and half years since co-sponsoring Resolution 30/1, the government has completely fulfilled only five out of its 36 commitments, with no change in this regard since March 2017.