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What are the campaign objectives?

1. Swift and effective humanitarian relief and rehabilitation 

Although many displaced civilians have left the camps, the humanitarian situation remains grim for the people who remain – a significant proportion of which are children under five. 

Those who have been released also face desperate conditions; coming home to rubble and a lack of health and other basic services, food, jobs and money. Many of the survivors are deeply traumatized and the Government of Sri Lanka has prevented agencies from offering psycho-social support.  

We call for:

• An end to the suffering of internees, safeguarding their dignified return and proper rehabilitation in line with UN standards for the treatment of displaced people
• Unrestricted access, by local and international humanitarian agencies, to those in need and a halt to Government efforts to stop access to psycho-social support

2. An end to human rights violations and the culture of impunity 

Human rights abuses, rampant during the war, have not ceased following the end of hostilities. Threats and physical attacks continue unabated and the rule of law continues to deteriorate. 

Sri Lanka is now ranked the 4th most dangerous place for journalists, ahead of Russia, Colombia and Afghanistan.  NGO workers and other human rights defenders – local and international – have also been threatened or harassed.  

We call for:

• The protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression for all Sri Lankans, including media workers and human rights defenders, and the prosecution of those who are guilty 
• The ICRC to be given immediate access to all detainees, in accordance with international law
• Judicial independence and restoration of the rule of law 

3. A lasting peace based on justice and reconciliation 

Having turned a blind eye to the killings as they were happening, the international community has also failed to take effective action since the war ended. Its weak response, coupled with a lack of media attention, has not only allowed the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka to fester and in some ways, escalate, but it has also enabled the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) to renege on its international human rights and humanitarian obligations. 

We call for:

• The UN Secretary-General to press, in a forceful manner, for a thorough and independent investigation of war crimes allegations by both sides
• The UN Secretary-General to appoint a Special Envoy who can maintain daily pressure on Sri Lanka to comply with its international human rights and humanitarian obligations.
• The international community, especially donor governments and trading partners such as the US, India, EU and Japan, to support the UN Secretary-General in doing this.

Our 4 campaign objectives are:

1. Humanitarian relief and  rehabilitation

2. An end to human rights violations and the culture of impunity 

3. A lasting peace based on justice and reconciliation 

4. Repeal of the draconian anti-terror regulations