A/HRC/34/20
transitional justice agenda that identifies a comprehensive strategy with clear and
publicly-announced benchmarks. The pace of establishing comprehensive transitional
justice mechanisms has been markedly slow. Clear progress should be demonstrated
on each of the pillars of the transitional justice structure.
62.
The importance of the role of independent commissions, and particularly of the
Human Rights Commission, in strengthening reforms and cementing good governance
cannot be overstated. It is therefore crucial that their mandate and autonomy be
respected, that they be sufficiently resourced, they be effectively consulted and that
their recommendations be duly noted and implemented.
63.
The High Commissioner believes that the Human Rights Council should
continue to play a critical role in encouraging progress in accountability and
reconciliation in Sri Lanka. As the State moves to the implementation phase of the
transitional justice agenda, the High Commissioner urges the Human Rights Council
to remain closely engaged with Sri Lanka to continue monitoring developments.
64.
In particular, the High Commissioner highlights the recommendations below,
some of which he made in previous reports.
A.
1.
Government of Sri Lanka
General
65.
The High Commissioner recommends that the Government of Sri Lanka:
(a)
Embrace the report of the Consultation Task Force on Reconciliation
Mechanisms;
(b)
Present a comprehensive strategy on transitional justice, with a timebound plan to implement the commitments welcomed by the Human Rights Council
in its resolution 30/1 and the recommendations contained in the present and previous
reports of the High Commissioner to the Council; and as part of this strategy or
separately set out a clear plan of action, implement key recommendations of United
Nations human rights mechanisms;
(c)
Formulate and promptly launch a communications campaign to inform
the public about the objectives, time frame and rationale of the reconciliation agenda,
identifying ownership of and commitment to the process;
(d)
Continue its engagement with the public, victims’ groups, civil society
organizations and other stakeholders throughout the process of designing and
establishing transitional justice mechanisms;
(e)
Invite OHCHR to establish a full-fledged country presence to monitor
the situation of human rights, to advise on the implementation of the
recommendations made by the High Commissioner and the Human Rights Council in
its resolutions, and to provide technical assistance;
(f)
Invite the Special Rapporteur on truth, justice, reparations and
guarantees of non-recurrence to continue his engagement in this process, and invite
other relevant special procedures and the Special Representatives of the SecretaryGeneral to visit Sri Lanka and advise on relevant draft legislation;
2.
Institutional reforms
66.
The High Commissioner recommends that the Government of Sri Lanka:
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