Sri Lanka: Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review: Second session of the UPR Working Group, 5-16 May 2008

A pattern of enforced disappearances is evident in Sri Lanka, not just in the north and east but also in the capital, Colombo. Several hundred cases of enforced disappearances were reported in the first six months of 2007; in the north and east such violations appear to be part of the government’s counter-insurgency strategy. Many of these disappearances take place inside high security zones and during curfew hours. This suggests that at least some may have been committed by people working directly with or with the consent of the security forces, in particular the Sri Lanka Army, which has primary operational responsibility for security in such areas.

B. Normative and Institutional Framework

Undermining the rule of law

Lack of redress

C. Protection and promotion of human rights in Sri Lanka

Systemic abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law, including in the context of the armed conflict

Impunity for human rights violations

D. Amnesty International recommendations

Strengthening the rule of law

Addressing abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law, including in the context of the armed conflict

Appendix: Amnesty International documents for further reference