Geneva, United Nations experts have voiced serious concerns over Sri Lanka’s heavy security-driven approach to drug control, particularly the Operation ‘Yukthiya’, calling for its immediate suspension and review in favor of health and human rights-based policies.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN experts highlighted the human rights of drug users, emphasizing their right to live with dignity and without discrimination or stigmatization. They criticized the operation for resulting in arbitrary arrests of thousands from marginalized socio-economic groups and the detention of hundreds in compulsory military-run rehabilitation centers, where incidents of torture and ill-treatment have been reported.

The experts expressed deep concern over the repressive measures against suspected drug offenders and stressed the need for rehabilitation approaches that respect harm reduction principles, personal autonomy, and informed consent, including the right to refuse medication. They called for the immediate closure of compulsory rehabilitation centers and their replacement with voluntary, evidence-based, rights-respecting, and community-based services.

Furthermore, the experts urged Sri Lankan authorities to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into allegations of torture, ill-treatment, and violations of due process and fair trial rights. They also called for scrutiny into irregularities in the judicial process related to sending individuals to rehabilitation centers.

The UN experts recommended a review of Sri Lanka’s current drug offense legislation and advocated for ending the involvement of armed forces in drug control and treatment, aligning with international human rights laws and standards. Their concerns about Sri Lanka’s legislation on treating suspected drug offenders were previously communicated to the Government in 2023.