The UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsák-Ndiaye, today, noted that there is a trust deficit within the state as well as between the communities in Sri Lanka.
This, she says, is understandable and it is apparent that many people from all communities do recognize the need for everyone to come together and re-generate trust at all levels of society.
Rita Izsák-Ndiaye expressed these views while speaking to the media at the conclusion of a visit to Sri Lanka.
“The Sri Lankan identity and the notion of nationhood must be strengthened to foster a stronger sense of belongingness and togetherness of all Sri Lankans”, she said.
“And while the country is undergoing an important reconciliation process with constitutional reform, transitional justice and policy-making, the devastating impact of the war and violence on psychological well-being cannot continue to be ignored.”
“Past acts of repression of culture and expression, ethnic intolerance and discrimination have severely damaged social and cultural norms and feelings of identity, belonging and trust.”
Rita Izsák-Ndiaye said the government of Sri Lanka, while implementing post war truth-seeking, reconciliation and accountability measures, should also consider supporting psychosocial programs, counselling and support interventions, and symbolic forms of healing for the population as a whole, especially in conflict-affected areas.
She said it is imperative that war-affected communities, especially women, benefit from specialized psychosocial support without further delay, to help them overcome the trauma which often manifests in complex and intertwined physical, emotional and mental health complications.
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