The United Nations human rights office has condemned Sri Lanka conflict failure to address wartime sexual abuse, leaving survivors without recognition or reparations long after the 2009 end of the civil war.
The UN OHCHR Sri Lanka report, released on 13 January 2026, exposes a persistent culture of impunity that perpetuates trauma across affected communities in Sri Lanka. This issue resonates in South Asia, where unresolved ethnic conflicts and human rights abuses hinder regional reconciliation and stability, particularly among Tamil populations.
UN OHCHR Sri Lanka Report Highlights Impunity
The report, titled “We lost everything – even hope for justice,” details how Sri Lanka conflict sexual violence was employed systematically during the armed conflict from 1983 to 2009. It involved government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Acts included rape, gang rape, sexual torture, genital abuse, forced nudity and mutilation. These violations targeted conflict-affected groups to extract information, assert dominance and instil fear.
OHCHR spokesperson Jeremy Laurence stated: “Sexual violence in conflict constitutes a serious violation of international law, which may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.” He added: “Sri Lanka is legally obligated, under multiple international treaties and commitments, to prevent, investigate and prosecute such violations and ensure reparation for survivors.”
Survivors described the ongoing impact. One told UN investigators: “Sexual violence is a torture that never stops.” The document notes long-term physical injuries, psychological trauma and social exclusion. Under-reporting stems from intimidation, surveillance and stigma. Male and LGBTQ+ survivors face additional barriers, with their experiences often unacknowledged or criminalised under existing laws.
The UN OHCHR Sri Lanka report builds on over a decade of monitoring, consultations with survivors, civil society and experts. It identifies major gaps in Sri Lanka’s legal framework: no specific legislation on conflict-related sexual violence, statutes of limitation, limited forensic capacity and rare prosecutions. Despite the 2009 end of hostilities, militarisation and weakened rule of law enable gender-based violence to persist.
Wartime Sexual Abuse Sri Lanka: A Systemic Pattern
Wartime sexual abuse Sri Lanka extended beyond the main conflict. Documented cases trace back to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) insurrections in the 1970s and 1980s. During the civil war, such violence disproportionately affected Tamil communities. It occurred in detention centres, checkpoints and conflict zones. The report states these acts were “deliberate, widespread and systemic,” often institutionally enabled.
Post-war, incidents continued as recently as 2024. Survivors report ongoing harassment and lack of remedies. The UN emphasises that impunity fractures communities, breeding silence and unresolved trauma. Recognition and accountability are vital for restoring dignity and advancing reconciliation.
Amnesty International responded to the UN OHCHR Sri Lanka report, urging authorities to end impunity. Smriti Singh, Amnesty’s South Asia Director, said: “This important report builds on findings by previous UN investigations and highlights conflict-related sexual violence occurring well after the end of the internal armed conflict in 2009.” She added: “The publication of the report must act as a clarion call for Sri Lanka’s government to finally deliver justice and accountability for the thousands of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.”
The current Sri Lankan government has pledged renewed focus on domestic accountability and justice reform, including addressing emblematic cases. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared: “If we fail to deliver justice, who else will?” However, the report notes that despite these commitments, entrenched impunity persists and tangible progress remains unseen.
Survivor Justice Sri Lanka Remains Elusive
Survivor justice Sri Lanka demands urgent reforms. The UN calls for the government to publicly acknowledge past Sri Lanka conflict sexual violence by state forces and others, and issue a formal apology. It recommends survivor-centred changes in the security sector, judiciary and legal framework. An independent prosecution office should be established. Access to psychological and social support must improve.
The report highlights that successive governments minimised or denied the extent of wartime sexual abuse Sri Lanka. Despite recommendations from UN bodies, human rights treaty bodies and special procedures, independent investigations and structural reforms are largely unimplemented. This failure exacerbates the impact on individuals and communities.
In South Asia, similar patterns of unaddressed wartime abuses in conflicts like those in Kashmir or Bangladesh underscore the need for regional mechanisms. Sri Lanka’s case could set a precedent for survivor justice Sri Lanka if reforms proceed.
Background
Sri Lanka’s civil war pitted government forces against the LTTE, seeking a separate Tamil state. It claimed over 100000 lives. Allegations of atrocities surfaced post-2009, with UN investigations documenting violations. The UN OHCHR Sri Lanka report focuses on sexual violence, a under-examined aspect amid broader accountability efforts.
What’s Next
The UN Human Rights Council may discuss the findings in upcoming sessions. Sri Lanka’s government faces pressure to act on pledges. International support could aid reforms, but domestic political will is key. Monitoring survivor justice Sri Lanka will test commitments.
Advancing accountability for Sri Lanka conflict sexual violence could foster healing and prevent recurrence.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 14th, 2026
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
