Russia has dismissed the findings of the latest UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) report on Sri Lanka, stating there is “no reason” to raise concerns over the country’s human rights situation.
A Russian representative, addressing the UN Human Rights Council, said Sri Lanka has shown its willingness to cooperate with international mechanisms in a “mutually respectful” manner, citing the recent visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights as an example.
“We note the efforts aimed at aligning national legislation with international human rights obligations. Measures are being taken to improve public administration, and progress is being made towards national reconciliation,” the representative said. He welcomed Sri Lanka’s decision in August 2025 to begin drafting a new national policy and action plan on human rights, while also highlighting the work of specialised bureaus and the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Human Rights Violations.
Russia criticised attempts to apply political pressure on Sri Lanka under what it called “far-fetched human rights pretexts,” and opposed HRC resolutions that allow the OHCHR to collect and analyse information for possible future judicial processes without the consent of Sri Lanka’s government.
“Such an approach contradicts the universal principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states. We are convinced that the investigation of any violations and bringing perpetrators to justice is the exclusive prerogative of the Sri Lankan authorities,” the Russian representative stressed.
