[JURIST] UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Thursday criticized the state of human rights in Sri Lanka, Iran, and several other countries, while presenting her annual report to the 13th Session of the Human Rights Council. Pillay described mistreatment of the government’s critics as a threat to peace in Sri Lanka, and strongly encouraged a full investigation into accusations of rights violations during the country’s civil war. Additionally, she condemned Iran for the “arbitrary arrest” of, and and “harsh sentences, including capital punishment” given to, individuals involved in protests following the 2009 presidential elections. The report details her office’s response to numerous human rights situations and emphasized the critical role of cooperation with the council’s initiatives.
Sri Lanka has faced numerous allegations of human rights violations originating from incidents that took place during the final months of the civil war by both the government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). In October, the US State Department released a report on the conflict, urging Sri Lankan officials to investigate reports of human rights abuses and war crimes and to prosecute those responsible. While the government of Sri Lanka rejected the findings of the report, President Mahinda Rajapaksa decided in October to appoint an independent committee to investigate allegations of human rights violations. The Iranian government continues to prosecute its citizens for their alleged roles in protesting the 2009 presidential elections. In December, Amnesty International labeled human rights abuses committed by the Iranian government following the election among the worst of the past 20 years. Alleged human rights violations of detainees include sexual assault, beatings, and forced confessions.