COLOMBO ; A group of representatives from organizations and human rights activists staged a protest following a march to the United Nations Office in Colombo on Tuesday, and October 21 to urge the United Nations for its intervention for a permanent ceasefire and for the release of the political prisoners.
A petition was handed to the UN Resident Coordinator for its urgent action ; The full text of the letter appended below;
Dear Mr. Franche,
We write to you in your capacity as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka express deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, widespread violations of
international law in Gaza, and the continued detention of Palestinian political prisoners,
including children, by the State of Israel. These grave issues demand urgent and coordinated
action by the United Nations system, especially through the Office of the High Commissioner
for Human Rights (OHCHR).
As the international community calls for a durable and verifiable ceasefire, we respectfully
request your office to convey the following to relevant UN bodies and agencies:
- Support for a Permanent Ceasefire and Full Humanitarian Access
We echo the call by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for an immediate,
permanent ceasefire that guarantees full humanitarian access, the protection of civilians, and the
cessation of hostilities by all parties. Temporary truces have failed to prevent the suffering,
displacement, and death of the civilian population in Gaza. - Strengthen Monitoring and Accountability Through OHCHR
We urge the UN Country Team to advocate for increased support to OHCHR’s vital role in:Monitoring ceasefire violations and civilian protection obligations;
Documenting evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and possible acts of
genocide;
Supporting independent inquiries or commissions of inquiry mandated by the Human
Rights Council. - Immediate Release of Political Prisoners and Detainees
We draw your attention to the urgent need for the return of over 9,000 Palestinian political
prisoners, including nearly 400 children, currently held in Israeli custody. Reports from released
long-term detainees reveal credible evidence of torture, degrading treatment, and extrajudicial
killings. These practices constitute serious violations of international human rights and
humanitarian law.
We urge the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to oversee, through impartial bodies
such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the release and safe return of all political
prisoners to their families. The continued detention and abuse of these individuals must be
addressed as part of any ceasefire and accountability process. - Appointment of a Special Envoy for Accountability
Given the severity of the violations, we call for the urgent appointment of a UN Special Envoy
or Special Rapporteur with a mandate to ensure accountability. This role should include
evidence-gathering, engagement with victims and survivors, and coordination with international
legal mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), where applicable. - Centering Justice and Victims’ Rights in Political Resolutions
A sustainable ceasefire must be grounded in justice. We urge the UN to ensure that any political
resolution includes strong human rights guarantees, mechanisms for redress, and long-term
protection for displaced and affected populations.
As a country and people who have experienced the enduring impact of conflict and unaddressed
grievances, Sri Lanka’s civil society is acutely aware of the dangers of impunity. The credibility of
the United Nations depends on its ability to uphold international law and its own Charter
principles consistently and without selectivity.
We urge your office to relay this appeal urgently to the UN Secretariat, OHCHR, other relevant
UN agencies and relevant international mechanisms, and ensure that the Sri Lankan people’s
voice , in solidarity with justice, accountability, and peace, is heard at this critical time.
Thank you for your attention to this matter of grave international concern.
Sincerely,
Signatories of Organizations and individuals
