For the first time ever, Sri Lanka is being accused of economic crimes at the UN Human Rights Council.
The abuse of power and economic crimes have a negative impact on human rights in Sri Lanka. According to Nada Al-Nashif, the acting High Commissioner for Human Rights.
She stated that the Sri Lankan situation is a crucial example of how human rights and corruption intersect. She said at the 51st session of the UNHRC in Geneva on Monday (12).
In a report to the UN Human Rights Council, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that Sri Lanka’s new government should start a national dialogue to advance human rights and reconciliation, calling for accountability and more substantial institutional reforms to stop the repetition of previous violations.
However, it said that improvements to be long-lasting. For that it is critical to acknowledge and address the underlying causes of the economic crisis, such as ingrained impunity for past and present human rights violations, economic crimes, and endemic corruption.
This is the first report on Sri Lanka from the UN High Commissioner HR to mention economic crimes.
Ali Sabry, PC, the foreign minister of Sri Lanka, responded and said that it makes extensive mention of “economic crimes.”
Apart from the ambiguity of the term, it is concerning that the OHCHR’s mandate is exceeded by the High Commissioner’s report’s extensive mention of “economic crimes.” In this context, he emphasised the critical importance of adhering to UNGA resolutions 60/251, 48/141, and the IB package.