Report of the Secretary-General's Panel of Experts on Accountability in Sri Lanka

Summary

The Panel found credible allegations that both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE committed violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, some of which would amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report estimates that as many as 40,000 civilians may have been killed in the final phase of the conflict.

Key Findings

• Credible allegations of large-scale civilian killings by government forces
• Systematic shelling of hospitals, food distribution lines, and humanitarian operations
• Denial of humanitarian assistance to civilians trapped in conflict zones
• Possible war crimes and crimes against humanity by both parties