A/HRC/RES/25/1
reconciliation, land use and ownership, the resumption of livelihoods and the restoration of
normality to civilian life, and stressing the importance of the full participation of local
populations, including representatives of civil society and minorities, in these efforts,
Welcoming the successful holding of Provincial Council elections on 21 September
2013 and, in particular, the high turnout and participation in all three provinces, while
noting with concern reports of election-related violence, as well as of voter and candidate
intimidation,
Expressing appreciation for the efforts and cooperation of the Government of Sri
Lanka in facilitating the visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
and providing her with open access, and welcoming the visit of the High Commissioner to
Sri Lanka in August 2013,
Expressing deep concern at reported intimidation and retaliation against civil society
members who engage with United Nations human rights mechanisms, including those who
met with the High Commissioner during her visit,
Expressing serious concern at the continuing reports of violations of human rights in
Sri Lanka, including sexual and gender-based violence, enforced disappearances,
extrajudicial killings, torture and violations of the rights to freedom of expression,
association and peaceful assembly, threats to judicial independence and the rule of law, as
well as intimidation of and reprisals against human rights defenders, members of civil
society, lawyers and journalists,
Alarmed at the significant surge in attacks against members of religious minority
groups in Sri Lanka, including Hindus, Muslims and Christians,
Calling upon the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfil its public commitments,
including on the devolution of political authority, which is integral to reconciliation and the
full enjoyment of human rights by all members of its population,
Taking note of the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission of
Sri Lanka, its findings and recommendations, and acknowledging its possible contribution
to the process of meaningful national reconciliation in Sri Lanka,
Recalling the constructive recommendations contained in the Commission’s report,
including the need to credibly investigate widespread allegations of extrajudicial killings
and enforced disappearances, demilitarize the north of Sri Lanka, implement impartial land
dispute resolution mechanisms, re-evaluate detention policies, strengthen formerly
independent civil institutions, reach a political settlement on the devolution of power to the
provinces, promote and protect the right of freedom of expression for all persons and enact
rule of law reforms,
Taking note of the national plan of action to implement the recommendations of the
Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission of the Government of Sri Lanka and its
commitments as set forth in response to the findings and recommendations of the
Commission,
Noting that the national plan of action does not adequately address all of the findings
and constructive recommendations of the Commission, and encouraging the Government of
Sri Lanka to broaden the scope of the plan to adequately address all elements of the
Commission’s report,
Noting with concern that the national plan of action and the Commission’s report do
not adequately address serious allegations of violations of international human rights law
and international humanitarian law,
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