Press Briefing

To: The President, Government & People of Sri Lanka
Date: June 2025
Subject: Sri Lanka’s Position at the UNHRC & the Non-Binding Nature of Its Resolutions
The Sri Lanka Media Collective issues this urgent clarification in light of continuing pressure
and politically motivated resolutions against Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council
(UNHRC).
Key Facts:

1. Sri Lanka is NOT A MEMBER of the UNHRC (2025):

• Sri Lanka currently holds observer status only.
• We have no voting power and cannot block resolutions.
• We are more vulnerable to external political targeting by powerful member states.

1. UNHRC Resolutions are NOT LEGALLY BINDING

• The UNHRC is not a judicial body.
• It cannot enforce resolutions, impose criminal liability, or override national
  sovereignty.
• Resolutions carry no legal force unless Sri Lanka voluntarily accepts them.

1. UNHRC Is overstepping its Mandate

• Resolutions have been based on unauthorized reports like the Darusman Report,
  Petrie Report & OISL (which had no UNGA or UNSC approval) and on anonymous,
  unverifiable testimonies.
• This violates Article 2(7) of the UN Charter, which prohibits intervention in domestic
  matters.

1. Since Sri Lanka is NOT A UNHRC Member

• Sri Lanka is not forced to vote on global conflicts.
• We are free to speak, expose bias, and build diplomatic counter-narratives without
  being bound by Council procedure.
  Sri Lanka Media Collective calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to:
• Publicly affirm that UNHRC resolutions are non-binding.
• Reject all resolutions based on flawed reports like Darusman, Petrie and OISL.
• Strengthen regional and diplomatic alliances to resist international overreach.
  Let us stand united in protecting our national dignity, institutions, and sovereign decisionmaking
  from global politicization.
  in solidarity,
  Sri Lanka Media Collective