STORYLINE

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday called on the authorities in Sri Lanka to prevent further violence, and urged restraint and meaningful dialogue to address the grievances of the population amid the country’s severe economic crisis.

“The high commissioner said she was deeply troubled by the escalation of violence in Sri Lanka after supporters of the Prime Minister attacked peaceful protestors in Colombo yesterday 9 May and the subsequent mob violence against members of the ruling party,” Throssell said. 

Seven people have died during the incidents - including a Member of Parliament and two local officials -over 250 were injured, and the properties of others were destroyed by arson throughout the country. 

“The high commissioner condemns all violence and call on the authorities to independently, thoroughly, and transparently investigate all attacks that have occurred. It is crucial to ensure that those found responsible, including those inciting or organising violence, are held to account,” Throssel said.

The High Commissioner also called on the authorities to prevent further violence and to protect the right to peaceful assembly:

“Authorities, including military personnel deployed in support of security forces, should exercise restraint in policing the situation and ensure that measures adopted in the context of the state of emergency comply with international human rights norms and are not used to stifle dissent or hinder peaceful protest,” she stressed

The severe economic crisis has made daily life a struggle for most Sri Lankans. It has also highlighted grievances, which require national dialogue and deeper structural reforms, Bachelet said. It has brought together people from various ethnicities and religions to demand greater transparency, accountability and participation in democratic life.

Throssel added: “The High Commissioner urged the Sri Lankan Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with all parts of society to find a pathway forward and address the socio-economic challenges people, especially vulnerable and marginalized groups, are facing. I call on the Government to address the broader political and systemic root causes that have long perpetuated discrimination and undermined human rights.”

The UN Human Rights Office will continue to closely watch and report on the situation in the country. Bachelet expressed hope that Sri Lanka would find a peaceful solution to the current crisis to alleviate people’s suffering, strengthen democracy and human rights, and prevent further violence.

For more information and media requests, please contact:  Liz Throssell + 41 22 917 9169 / elizabeth.throssell@un.org

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SHOTLIST 

1. Exterior shot: Wide shot entrance of Palais des Nations
2. Wide Shot: Briefing room
3. SOUNDBITE (English) – Liz Throssell, UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) Spokesperson: “The high commissioner said she was deeply troubled by the escalation of violence in Sri Lanka after supporters of the Prime Minister attacked peaceful protestors in Colombo yesterday 9 May and the subsequent mob violence against members of the ruling party.”
4. Cut away: participants
5. SOUNDBITE (English) – Liz Throssell, UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) Spokesperson: “The high commissioner condemns all violence and call on the authorities to independently, thoroughly, and transparently investigate all attacks that have occurred. It is crucial to ensure that those found responsible, including those inciting or organising violence, are held to account.”
6. Cut away: participants
7. SOUNDBITE (English) – Liz Throssell, UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) Spokesperson: “Authorities, including military personnel deployed in support of security forces, should exercise restraint in policing the situation and ensure that measures adopted in the context of the state of emergency comply with international human rights norms and are not used to stifle dissent or hinder peaceful protest.”
8. Cut away: participants
9. SOUNDBITE (English) – Liz Throssell, UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) Spokesperson: “The High Commissioner urged the Sri Lankan Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with all parts of society to find a pathway forward and address the socio-economic challenges people, especially vulnerable and marginalized groups, are facing. I call on the Government to address the broader political and systemic root causes that have long perpetuated discrimination and undermined human rights.”
10. Cut away: participants