1. Wide shot, Palais des Nations
2. Wide shot, Assembly Hall
3. Wide shot, podium
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:
“Sri Lanka today has an historic opportunity to heal from the cycles of violence and impunity that have dominated for decades. The Government has a clear mandate from across the nation for transformative reforms, accountability, truth and justice.”
5. Wide shot, Assembly Hall
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:
“First and foremost, my report calls for decisive action by the Government on justice and accountability, which are essential to forging a future of healing, reconciliation and sustainable peace.”
7. Wide shot, Assembly Hall
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:
“During my visit, I witnessed the continued suffering of victims of human rights violations and abuses. At a mass grave site at Chemmani, I met a family who were searching for and grieving the loss of a loved one. A woman from a southern province told me that after 30 years, she is still looking for her husband. Independent, transparent and credible investigations are critical to restoring trust.”
9. Wide shot, Assembly Hall
10. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:
“My report notes that conflict-related sexual violence remains deeply stigmatized, and many survivors feel completely abandoned. Impunity can be a second form of violence that perpetuates cycles of harm. The demands of victims and survivors must be addressed. Their voices must guide the Government’s policies on accountability, truth, justice and reparation.”
11. Wide shot, Assembly Hall
12. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:
“There is an urgent need for Sri Lanka to undertake deep constitutional, legal and institutional reforms. This is crucial to ensuring that the tragedies of the past can never be repeated.”
13. Wide shot, Assembly Hall
14. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:
“I welcome the Government’s initiative to establish an independent Public Prosecution Office with independent investigators. It is important for civil society organizations to be included in this process.”
15. Wide shot, Assembly Hall
16. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:
“Despite an increasingly open civic space, my report describes ongoing, persistent patterns of intimidation and harassment by security agencies of human rights defenders, victims’ groups and independent journalists. People working on accountability for enforced disappearances, and those working on land disputes and environmental issues, are particular targets.”
17. Wide shot, Assembly Hall
18. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:
“This underlines the need to change the mindset and practice of security agencies. There is an urgent need for comprehensive security sector reform, including the demilitarization of the north and east; the return of land; and the devolution of power to all levels of governance.”
19. Wide shot, Assembly Hall
20. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:
“International engagement, through my Office, this Council and the human rights mechanisms, can play an important part in the change Sri Lanka so desperately needs. My Office stands ready to assist Sri Lanka on this journey.”
21. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:
“I encourage Sri Lanka to seek international assistance with the exhumation of mass graves and other investigations. Together, the international community can support Sri Lankans to escape from the twin threats posed by persistent impunity, and deep inequality.”
22. Wide shot, Assembly Hall
23. Med shot, Sri Lanka’s Representative
