{"id":150440,"date":"2025-06-28T14:04:09","date_gmt":"2025-06-28T21:04:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/?p=150440"},"modified":"2025-06-28T14:04:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-28T21:04:09","slug":"unhrc-high-commissioners-bias-un-charter-violations-sri-lanka-2006-present","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/2025\/06\/28\/unhrc-high-commissioners-bias-un-charter-violations-sri-lanka-2006-present\/","title":{"rendered":"UNHRC\u00a0High Commissioners\u2019 Bias & UN Charter Violations: Sri Lanka 2006\u2013Present"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shenali D Waduge<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The following summarizes how successive UN High Commissioners for Human Rights have, through their actions and demands, overstepped their mandates, ignored their oath to the UN Charter and violated international law and Sri Lanka\u2019s sovereignty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Violation of UN Charter Article 2(7): Non-Intervention in Domestic Jurisdiction<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The UNHRC\/OHCHR have repeatedly intervened in Sri Lanka\u2019s internal affairs without Security Council authorization or Sri Lanka\u2019s consent, violating the principle of sovereign equality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Demands Demonstrating this Violation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Louise Arbour (2004-2008):<\/strong>\u00a0called for arms-length international investigations\u201d during active conflict.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • Navi Pillay (2008-2014)<\/strong>: demanded repeal of Sri Lanka\u2019s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), criticized military presence, checkpoints, surveillance in North & East & made statements about land in N & E without evidence. Urged the Government to formulate and rigorously enforce a zero tolerance policy for sexual abuse\u201d by military personnel and to initiate a meaningful and transparent reduction of the military presence to peacetime levels\u201d again creating a notion of a non-existent issue. Called for the implementation of 13a & truth, justice, reprations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • Zeid Al Hassen (2014-2018:<\/strong>\u00a0insisted on hybrid courts overriding Sri Lanka\u2019s constitutional judicial authority. His attention was on Sri Lanka\u2019s judicial system & during his visit to Sri Lanka he claimed Sri Lanka\u2019s judiciary was highly politicized, unbalanced & unreliable\u201d. He went on to claim that Sri Lanka\u2019s justice system was incapable of handling international crimes emphasizing the need for hybrid courts. It is, I believe, an inescapable reality that Sri Lanka\u2019s criminal justice system is not yet ready to handle these types of crimes \u2026 this is why the establishment of a hybrid special court \u2026 is so necessary.\u201d\u00a0Such statements amounted to near contempt of court undermining Sri Lanka\u2019s judiciary\u2019s integrity & public trust. His denouncements directly challenged the independence & authority of Sri Lanka\u2019s highest courts & its judges infringing their constitutional status.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Michelle Bachelet (2018-2022):<\/strong>\u00a0establishment of Sri Lanka Accountability Project (SLAP\/OSLAP) via Resolution 46\/1 in 2021 evidence mechanism without Sri Lanka\u2019s approval. It functions as a prosecutorial office. She called for the immediate moratorium for repeal of Prevention of Terrorism Act. She criticized militarization of civilian functions & called for vetting of military officials, urged reduction of military presence & removal of policing or administrative roles by security forces. She demanded swift restoration of autonomy of the judiciary, human rights commission & police oversight bodies. She encouraged member states to pursue universal jurisdiction prosecutions, targeted sanctions (asset freezes\/travel bans) against select members of Sri Lanka Armed Forces without authorization of UNSC. She called for investigations into enforces disappearances, reparations for victims.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            • Volker T\u00fcrk:(2022-present)<\/strong>\u00a0Demanded legislative changes to repeal Prevention of Terrorism Act & release detainees, repeal Online Safety Act) legalizing of homosexuality & same sex marriage ignoring cultural and religious norms. Continues to demand removal of military camps, reduction of military, return of lands, reforms to police & security sector.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Note:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              The Sri Lanka Accountability Project (SLAP),<\/strong> also known as OSLAP, established by UNHRC Resolution 46\/1 (2021), mandates the OHCHR to collect, consolidate, analyze, and preserve information and evidence regarding alleged human rights and humanitarian law violations during and after the Sri Lankan conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              SLAP is not the first of its kind; it follows precedents such as the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) for Syria (established by UNGA) and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) (established by UNHRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              SLAP\u2019s mandate effectively creates a quasi-prosecutorial evidence-gathering mechanism without Sri Lanka\u2019s consent, thereby bypassing the country\u2019s domestic judiciary and undermining its sovereignty (allegedly violating UN Charter Article 2(7) and Sri Lanka\u2019s Constitution). Critics also highlight its selective focus and lack of democratic oversight, arguing it represents a clear instance of UN mandate overreach and interference that contradicts the principle of subsidiarity in international law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              As you can see the emphasis of the High Commissioners ridiculing Sri Lanka\u2019s judiciary, judges & judicial system is to enforce a hybrid court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Relevant Treaty Violations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969), Article 26:\u00a0Pacta sunt servanda \u2014 parties must perform treaties in good faith. Overstepping mandates breaches this.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Article 2(1):\u00a0States have primary duty to protect and promote human rights within their territory. External imposition undermines this.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • UN Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary (1985):\u00a0The independence of the judiciary must be guaranteed by the state itself; external interference violates this.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 21(3):\u00a0The will of the people as the basis of authority is to be respected \u2014 external imposition disregards democratic sovereignty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                1. Violation of UN Charter Articles 7 & 22:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  Exceeding the OHCHR\u2019s Statutory Mandate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  The High Commissioners created or endorsed quasi-judicial investigative mechanisms not authorized by the UN General Assembly or Security Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Demands Demonstrating This Violation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • Louise Arbour (2004\u20132008): called for external inquiries without General Assembly or Security Council mandate. OHCHR does not have authority to establish or endorse investigative panels or quasi-judicial bodies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Navi Pillay (2008-2014): advocated for independent international inquiries & indirectly promoted ICC referral without UNSC authorization. Created pressure for judicial action, interfered in internal affairs of Sri Lanka & exceeded OHCHR\u2019s mandate limited to monitoring & promotion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Zeid Ra\u2019ad Al Hussein (2014-2018): Pressed to create hybrid courts with international judges & prosecutors outside UNGA\/UNSC mandate. OHCHR is not a judicial or prosecutorial body, to impose judicial structures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Michelle Bachelet (2018-2022): Spearheaded UNHRC Resolution 46\/1 & established SLAP\/OSLAP \u2013 a quasi-prosecutorial evidence-gathering mechanism without Sri Lanka\u2019s consent or UNGA\/UNSC authorization. This created an investigatory\/prosecutorial function that is not within OHCHR\u2019s legal authority.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Volker Turk (2022-to present) \u2013 Continued endorsement & operational support for SLAP\/OSLAP & called for international accountability mechanisms without UNGA or UNSC authorization. These continued actions maintaining extrajudicial prosecutorial mechanism beyond OHCHR\u2019s remit is a violation of the UN Charter & UNHRC\u2019s own mandate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Relevant Treaty and UN Instrument Violations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • UNGA Resolution 60\/251:\u00a0Limits Human Rights Council\u2019s mandate to promotion and dialogue, excluding judicial enforcement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • UN Charter Article 7 & 22:\u00a0OHCHR is a subsidiary organ with limited functions; unauthorized judicial or prosecutorial actions exceed mandate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers (1990):\u00a0Fair trial and legal representation are to be protected domestically, not undermined by external panels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Article 14:\u00a0Right to fair trial within one\u2019s own legal system; external judicial mechanisms violate this.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      1. Violation of UN Charter Article 100:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                        Failure to maintain neutrality and impartiality<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        High Commissioners have shown consistent bias by focusing solely on Sri Lanka while minimizing LTTE atrocities, aligning with politically motivated diaspora and NGO narratives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Key Conduct Demonstrating This Violation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • Ignoring accountability of LTTE war crimes and terrorism over 30 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Avoiding meetings with Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim victims of LTTE.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Favoring LTTE-linked activists and ignoring government security officials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Echoing diaspora and NGO narratives linked to LTTE sympathizers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                          Relevant UN Ethical Codes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          • UN Staff Regulations and Rules, Regulation 1.2 and Staff Rule 101.2:\u00a0UN officials must maintain impartiality, neutrality, and act in the interests of the UN alone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials (1979):\u00a0Requires unbiased investigations and accountability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee Guidelines:\u00a0Emphasize equal treatment and impartiality in human rights matters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            Additional Relevant Points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Do UN High Commissioners Take an Oath?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            • UN High Commissioners for Human Rights are senior UN officials who swear to uphold the\u00a0UN Charter, Staff Regulations, and Code of Conduct, committing to impartiality, independence, and respect for sovereignty and human rights norms. Violations of these principles breach their professional and legal obligations. Obviously all 5 high commissioners are guilty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                \n
                              1. Violation of Sri Lanka\u2019s Constitutional Provisions:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                  \n
                                • Article 1(1):<\/strong>Sri Lanka is a sovereign, democratic and unitary State.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Article 2(1):<\/strong>The Republic of Sri Lanka shall be a sovereign Republic.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Article 3: Sovereignty of the People \u2014 In the Republic of Sri Lanka sovereignty is in the People and is inalienable\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Article 4: The exercise of sovereignty shall be through\u2026 Parliament, the President and the Judiciary as established by this Constitution.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Article 9:<\/strong>The Republic shall\u2026 protect and foster the Buddhist Sasana and also protect freedom of thought, conscience and religion of all citizens.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                  Chapter XV (Articles 105\u2013117):<\/strong> Establishes judiciary independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \n
                                  • Article 105 (1); Establishes courts for the administration of justice.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Article 107 (2):<\/strong>Protects judicial independence. Ensures independence of the judiciary; Judges can only be removed through parliamentary process on grounds of proven misconduct\/incapacity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Article 111C:<\/strong>Interference with the judiciary is a punishable offense.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                    Chapter XVI (Articles 118\u2013147):<\/strong> Confers sole and exclusive constitutional jurisdiction on the Supreme Court for constitutional interpretation, validity of legislation, and fundamental rights enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \n
                                    • Article 118:Supreme Court is the highest and final superior court.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Article 120:Supreme Court has sole jurisdiction over constitutional matters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Article 125:Supreme Court has sole jurisdiction in interpreting the Constitution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Article 126:Supreme Court has jurisdiction on fundamental rights violations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                      Since 2006, UNHRC High Commissioners have violated:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \n
                                      • UN Charter Articles 2(7), 7, 22, and 100\u00a0by violating sovereignty, exceeding mandates, and lacking impartiality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • International treaty law\u00a0(Vienna Convention, ICCPR, UDHR, Basic Principles on Judiciary and Lawyers).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • Sri Lanka\u2019s Constitution, which affirms sovereignty, judicial independence, cultural\/religious protections, and supremacy of national law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                        Their persistent external impositions, legal reforms demands, and selective accountability undermine international law, Sri Lanka\u2019s sovereignty, and true reconciliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        What can Sri Lanka\u2019s Government and Citizens do against this bias:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \n
                                        • Legally contest UNHRC\/OHCHR overreach\u00a0citing UN Charter, international treaties, and Sri Lanka\u2019s constitutional provisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        • Publicly expose politicization and mandate abuses\u00a0through media, social networks, and diplomatic forums.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        • Engage UN member states and civil society\u00a0to restore mandate boundaries and impartiality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        • Submit credible alternative reports\u00a0highlighting LTTE atrocities and selective enforcement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        • Demand independent oversight\u00a0of OHCHR actions related to Sri Lanka from 2006 to present.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                          Shenali D Waduge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                          Shenali D Waduge The following summarizes how successive UN High Commissioners for Human Rights have, through their actions and demands, overstepped their mandates, ignored their oath to the UN Charter and violated international law and Sri Lanka\u2019s sovereignty. The UNHRC\/OHCHR have repeatedly intervened in Sri Lanka\u2019s internal affairs without Security Council authorization or Sri Lanka\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-150440","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-shenali-waduge"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/150440","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=150440"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/150440\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=150440"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=150440"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=150440"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}