OHCHR’s mandate under resolution HRC 46/1
by UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, March 2021
SLAP FAQ-accountability-project_EN
…What roles do victims and survivors have in the work of the new OHCHR Sri Lanka accountability project?
Victims and survivors are a key part of each aspect of the work of the OHCHR Sri Lanka accountability project. Resolution 46/1 also recognises them explicitly, mandating OHCHR “to advocate for victims and survivors”. A victim-centred approach is central to all of OHCHR’s protection and accountability work, including that of this project.
Victims and survivors’ testimonies, evidence and information will be protected and maintained safely and securely, in accordance with international practice standards in this area.
The OHCHR Sri Lanka accountability project will work closely with victims and survivors, and their representatives, to enable and facilitate their informed participation in the relevant work of the team, including in the design of possible strategies for accountability and reparation processes.
As with all other OHCHR work with victims and survivors, the OHCHR Sri Lanka accountability project will be sensitive and alert to any protection concerns that victims and survivors may have as a result of its engagement with them, further to the cardinal principle of ‘do no harm’. Specific concerns will be considered and addressed as they arise, in conjunction as appropriate with affected persons…