"In all probability hundreds, if not thousands, of mass graves are dotted around #lka, containing the bodies of tens of thousands of victims of enforced disappearance between 1983 and 2009. Only around twenty have been exhumed to date." @JDSLanka @itjpsl @chrd_srilanka + FoD
Following are direct quotes from the report, which can be accessed here: itjpsl.com #lka #disappearedSL
"After 30 years of exhumations, it is clear that the Sri Lankan state is unable and/or unwilling to deliver justice for the victims of enforced disappearances," the report says. itjpsl.com #lka #disappearedSL
"There is a blatant lack of investigation to identify possible witnesses to grave crimes. Witnesses who may want to come forward have also expressed fear for their safety and security." #lka #disappearedSL
"From 1994 exhumation in Sooriyakanda, it was clear that politicians interfere when human remains are discovered for their own political benefit. Commonly, there has been political interference aimed at undermining process if a politician, or those close to them, is implicated."
"Another common tactic by senior government officials attempting to influence exhumation processes is to transfer magistrates, police officers or other officials. As of 2023 in the Mannar exhumation no less than seven magistrates have been involved in hearing the case."
"Even basic elements such as the preservation of information is often inadequate, with evidence and documentation on key cases reportedly being lost during natural disasters, something that could be prevented through the digitization and protected custody of those materials."
"#lka's forensic capacity remains limited+ results of any exhumations have been sent abroad for testing. Bone samples from Chemmani were sent to Hyderabad Forensic Laboratory in India, then UK . There is no public report and it's unclear whether any report was ever obtained."
Delays, coupled with slow coordination among relevant stakeholders, and experts brought into the investigation in an ad hoc manner, are challenges observed in advancing the investigation of mass graves in Sri Lanka."
In the context of exhumations, in the rare event that suspects are arrested, the Attorney General's Office has been central to decisions to drop cases, allowing suspects to be released on bail, or failing to prioritise pending procedures #lka #disappearedSL
"It is a story of a lack of political will–inadequate legal framework, a lack of coherent policy and insufficient resources. For families of the disappeared it is a story of unresolved tragedy; the bereaved are forced to live – and die – without ever finding their loved ones."
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