Protection of human rights and compliance with principles of international humanitarian law: Impact of training on Sri Lanka army assessment oriented study

Abstract

The ethnic conflict which took a violent turn in Sri Lanka continues for more than two decades. The chief protagonists of this conflict, the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LITE) engaged in military pursuits which caused immeasurable damage to the lives and properties of the people of all spectrums. The conflict has been now characterized as a high intensity war. Human rights law and humanitarian law have greater relevance and application in civil war situation as that of what Sri Lanka is facing today. However, degree of commitment and adherence to these laws by the parties mainly depends on the nature of the conflict. The protracted conflict and status of parties to the conflict remain determining factors which influence serious Human Rights (HR) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) violations by both parties. Sri Lanka Army (SLA) plays a prominent role in ensuring security and maintaining law and order in the country. Trapped in conflict situations, it is very common that the Army gets accused of committing many violations of HR and IHL norms, and similar rules. International human rights organizations quite often find fault with the State for such violations. This is the same case with the belligerents as well. …