By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN human rights office on Friday urged a prompt, independent and transparent investigation into the recent outbreak of deadly violence at a jail in Negombo, Sri Lanka, which killed at least 23 people and critically injured at least 15.
OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement “The families of the dozens killed and injured – both inmates and prison officers – deserve to know the truth and see accountability”.
UN agency said that the riots took place at Negombo city jail, around 22 miles north of the Colombo.
According to reports, poor detention conditions such as overcrowding may have played a role in prompting the violence.
OHCHR noted that the deadly incident highlights the need for Sri Lanka to address issues including prolonged pre-trial detention, overcrowding and other inadequate conditions in prisons.
Ms. Shamdasani said many people in Sri Lanka are detained for drug-related offences who would instead benefit from health-centred responses as opposed to incarceration.
OHCHR has encouraged Sri Lankan authorities to allow the independent Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka to access Negombo and other detention facilities to monitor conditions, especially amid accusations of torture and ill treatment.
