The UN Human Rights Council must not fail the victims of Sri Lanka’s dead and disappeared and ensure that a credible justice and accountability involves a majority of international judges and an independent international prosecutor, said Human Rights Watch (HRW).

In a statement delivered to the UN Human Rights Council the non-governmental organisation outlined three elements that are “crucial” for the council to ensure a credible accountability process in response to the UN High Commissioner’s much-anticipated investigative report on Sri Lanka.

“First, the resolution will need to set out concrete benchmarks for an effective justice and accountability mechanism, including a majority of international judges in an independent system, an independent international prosecutor, and measures to ensure that the applicable law for the mechanism will include customary international humanitarian law, notably command responsibility,” said HRW.

“Second, the resolution will need to engage with the High Commissioner’s recommendations regarding national reforms needed, including repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, ensuring detainees are not subject to torture or ill-treatment, and measures to address enforced disappearances.”

“Third, it is crucial that the Council remain seized of the matter, and make provision for regular reporting and updates until such time as the concerns that led to the creation of the OHCHR investigation have been addressed and have delivered genuine justice.”

“The families of Sri Lanka’s dead and disappeared have waited years and in some cases decades for justice,” added the organisation. “This Council must not fail them.”