Relatives of the Disappeared Appeal to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

10-Jun-2025

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As United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk is expected to visit Sri Lanka later this month, an association representing families of the forcibly disappeared in the North and East has sent a formal letter urging him to visit Mullivaikkal and meet directly with affected families during his trip.

The group noted that while the High Commissioner is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on June 23, a section of the relatives had earlier appealed for the visit to be postponed until after September, citing concerns over the timing. 

Nevertheless, in the event the visit proceeds as planned, they are requesting a stop in Mullaitivu District and an opportunity for direct engagement.

In the letter sent by Leeladevi Anandanadarajah, Secretary of the Association for Families of the Forcibly Disappeared from the North and East, the following key points were highlighted:
"We, as the families of the forcibly disappeared in the Northern and Eastern provinces, have been engaged in continuous protest for over 3,000 days, demanding justice and truth regarding the fate of our loved ones who were taken by government forces during and after the war. This struggle represents our relentless call for truth and accountability, despite our emotional and physical exhaustion."

According to the letter, around 300 individuals involved in the protest have died over the years without receiving any answers or justice. Yet, their families continue the peaceful fight, seeking truth and redress.

The letter also recalled their participation in the 37th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in March 2018, where despite facing immense difficulties, representatives from their group traveled to Geneva to voice their concerns and expectations to member states.

“Our unwavering goal has always been to achieve truth, justice, and accountability,” the letter reiterated.

The association expressed concern that the High Commissioner’s visit coincides with the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, also beginning in June, noting that many of them had been unsuccessful in previous attempts to meet with him in Geneva.

“Given this context, we request that you provide us the opportunity to meet with you during your visit to Sri Lanka. Since we will be remaining in the country instead of traveling to Geneva, we believe this presents a rare opportunity for direct engagement.”

They further emphasized that such a meeting would allow them to personally explain the harsh realities they face and share their grief and lived experiences.

In a poignant appeal, they urged Mr. Türk to visit Mullivaikkal, the site of the final and most deadly phase of the Sri Lankan civil war, where it is believed that over 100,000 people may have been killed.

“A visit to Mullivaikkal would be a powerful act of recognition of the immense suffering endured by the Tamil people and offer you a first-hand understanding of the ground realities. Such a gesture would not only be a symbol of solidarity but also a meaningful step toward truth and justice.”

The letter concludes with hope that the High Commissioner’s visit can become a moment of genuine listening and recognition for the families who have long been denied closure.