Why is it in the news?
→ UN Human Rights released report “We lost everything – even hope for justice”.
→ Report documents conflict-related sexual violence and lack of accountability.
Category: IR
Important Points
- Sexual violence systematically used during Sri Lankan civil war (1983–2009), mainly by State security forces.
- The victims were largely Tamil civilians, including perceived LTTE supporters.
- The war ended in May 2009 with the defeat of LTTE and killing of Velupillai Prabhakaran.
- Survivors face physical injuries, infertility, trauma, stigma and intimidation.
- The UN cites a culture of impunity due to absence of investigations and prosecutions.
- Violence may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.
- The UN urges Sri Lanka to acknowledge abuses, issue formal apology, ensure survivor-centred reforms and independent prosecution.
- LTTE formed in 1976; civil war escalated after Black July riots (1983).
- India intervened via Indo–Sri Lanka Accord (1987); IPKF deployed under Operation Pawan.
- The 13th Amendment provided provincial devolution but land and police powers remained with Centre.