UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday urged states to act to promote truth, reparations for victims of human rights violations, highlighting Sri Lanka as one of the countries where the UN advocated for consultations with victims.
Speaking on the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, observed on March 24, the Secretary General said,
"Across the world, every victim has the right to know the truth about violations that affected her or him. But, the truth also has to be told for the benefit of all people and communities as a vital safeguard against the recurrence of violations. The right to the truth is closely linked to the right to justice.
"To advance this effort, the United Nations supports fact-finding missions, commissions of inquiry, mapping exercises and truth commissions, which document human rights violations and make recommendations to ensure accountability, reconciliation and other reforms.
"Throughout the world, from Colombia to Tunisia, from Mali to Sri Lanka, from Nepal to South Sudan, the United Nations has advocated for inclusive and genuine consultations with victims and affected groups, especially women, girls and those who are far too often excluded and marginalized. Their meaningful participation must be ensured in all relevant stages of transitional justice processes, and their specific needs must be fully recognized in any reparation measures.
"On this day, I urge States to adopt measures to promote truth, justice and reparations for victims, which is so crucial to ensuring that gross human rights violations are not repeated. Let us all do more to protect human rights and human dignity."
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