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Sri Lankan Flag Waving Against Clear Blue Sky by Thilina Alagiyawanna via pexels February 23rd, 2025.
A recent report by the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) has shown widespread sexual violence and torture committed against Tamil women by Sri Lankan security forces between 2015 and 2022. These findings have reignited calls for accountability and justice from human rights organisations worldwide.
In a revelation, the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) reported in May 2024 that Tamil individuals, including women, were subjected to rape and torture by Sri Lankan security forces between 2015 and 2022. The report, which surveyed 139 former detainees, found that 91 of them endured sexual violence during their detention, with the most recent cases recorded as recently as 2022.
The report details the systematic use of sexual violence as a tool of repression, disproportionately targeting Tamil communities in the post-war period. Women detainees have recounted experiences of sexual abuse, often in unofficial detention sites, underscoring the ongoing culture of impunity within the security apparatus. These abuses highlight the broader gender-based violence faced by women in Sri Lanka, exacerbated by ethnic and political discrimination. Survivors have described being isolated, threatened, and coerced into silence, creating a pervasive climate of fear.
The lack of proper documentation and the covert nature of these detention sites have further compounded the difficulty of seeking justice. These violations not only inflict profound physical and psychological trauma on the victims but also contribute to the broader pattern of gender-based violence in Sri Lanka. The experiences of Tamil women highlight the intersection of ethnic, gender, and political discrimination, making them particularly vulnerable to abuse.
Human rights advocates argue that the Sri Lankan government has failed to implement adequate measures to protect women from such abuses or provide justice for survivors. Despite repeated calls from the international community, accountability remains elusive, with many survivors living in fear of retaliation. The report urges the government to conduct independent investigations and prosecute those responsible while offering reparations to victims.
Sources and Further Readings:
Amnesty International. (2024). Annual report: Sri Lanka. Amnesty International.
Human Rights Watch. (2024). World Report 2024: Sri Lanka. Human Rights Watch.
International Truth and Justice Project. (2024). Report on sexual violence against Tamil detainees (2015–2022). ITJP.
United Nations Human Rights Council. (2024). Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka. United Nations.
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