Relatives of disappeared still face intimidations: UN

A United Nations (UN) delegation alleged today that despite the change of the government in January this year, the relatives of the disappeared persons are still facing intimidations and threats from different state stakeholders of the government.

“ When some families of disappeared met us for testimonials they were harassed and intimidated by the officials of Criminal Investigation Department (CID). In some instances they were demanded by some individuals to provide money in exchange of information regarding their loving ones who went missing,” Vice Chair of UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances Bernard Duhaime told in a press conference.

The delegation undertook a country visit to Sri Lanka after fifteen years to monitor the implementing policies of human rights situation. The Working Group also visited mass graves in Matale and Mannar and the memorial for the disappeared in Seeduwa. It also visited the Boosa Detention Center, the Navy Base in Trincomalee - including a former secret detention facility within the base – and the temporary detention facilities on the 4th and 6th floors of the CID and TID building.

“ These disappearances were carried out in a structural pattern of impunity,” Tae-Ung Baik, a member of the delegation noted.

The experts expressed support for the recommendation made by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in his recent Human Rights Council report to integrate international judges, prosecutors, lawyers and investigators into the envisaged judicial mechanism aimed at prosecuting massive human rights and humanitarian law violations - including enforced disappearances.

“The Working Group also supports the establishment of the Office for Missing Persons dedicated to the humanitarian task of searching for the thousands of disappeared in the country,” stated the experts. The Working Group noted that this body should act in a non-discriminatory, impartial, independent and professional manner, adopting a victim-centred approach.

During the ten day visit, the Working Group’s delegation visited - in addition to Colombo - Batticaloa, Galle, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Matale, Mullaitivu and Trincomalee. They met with the President, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as other high-level State authorities as well as civil society organizations.

“We also met with hundreds of relatives of disappeared and missing throughout the country, hearing many tragic and deeply saddening stories. The Working Group reaffirms its solidarity with all the victims and their relatives who come from all communities. Their continued suffering is living proof that enforced disappearance is a continuous offence and a permanent violation of their human rights until the fate or whereabouts of the victim is clarified,” the experts concluded.

A final report on the visit will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2016.