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Over the past two decades, the Sri Lankan government has repeatedly appointed Commissions of Inquiry to investigate high-profile cases of human rights violations in response to domestic and international pressure. These may give the appearance that Sri Lanka is addressing impunity, but they have largely failed to bring justice.

Sri Lanka’s justice system has likewise failed to check widespread violations of human rights, including enforced disappearances, killings and torture. Sri Lanka’s justice system is under-resourced and so inefficient that most human rights violations are never investigated, let alone heard in court. It is subject to political pressure and does not provide effective witness protection. State agents have eliminated witnesses through bribes, intimidation and violence. They have discouraged police investigations and misled the public. Officials and other influential people have obstructed and prevented prosecutions.

Successive governments have promised to end atrocities and bring perpetrators to justice, but they have not delivered on their promises. The debate within Sri Lankan and in the international community needs to move forward. Rather than focusing on the most recent atrocity or the latest Commission of Inquiry, it should centre on the need to prevent ongoing violations and ensure real accountability for past abuses.

Amnesty International calls for systematic and sustained international human rights monitoring and technical assistance: Sri Lanka simply cannot go it alone.

AI Index: ASA 37/005/2009

Date published: 11/06/2009

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