UN human rights chief urges restraint and asks Sri Lankan authorities to initiate dialogue.

On Tuesday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet urged the authorities in Sri Lanka to exercise restraint and engage in meaningful dialogue to address the population's grievances amid the country's severe economic crisis.

"I am deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in Sri Lanka after supporters of the Prime Minister attacked peaceful protestors in Colombo on May 9th, and the subsequent mob violence against members of the ruling party," Bachelet said.

"I condemn all forms of violence and urge the authorities to conduct independent, thorough, and transparent investigations into all attacks that have occurred." It is critical that those found responsible, including those inciting or organizing violence, face justice."

In addition, the High Commissioner urged authorities to prevent further violence and to protect the right to peaceful assembly.

"Authorities, including military personnel deployed in support of security forces," she said, "should exercise restraint in policing the situation and ensure that measures adopted in the context of the state of emergency comply with international human rights norms and are not used to stifle dissent or hinder peaceful protest."

The State is responsible for ensuring the right to life and exercising due diligence to protect individuals' lives from violence perpetrated by private individuals or entities.

The severe economic crisis has made most Sri Lankans' daily lives difficult. It has also highlighted grievances that, according to Bachelet, necessitate national dialogue and deeper structural reforms. It has brought people of different ethnicities and religions together to demand greater transparency, accountability, and participation in democratic life.

"I urge the Sri Lankan government to engage in meaningful dialogue with all segments of society to chart a course forward and address the socio-economic challenges that people, particularly vulnerable and marginalized groups, face." I urge the government to address the broader political and systemic root causes of discrimination and human rights violations."

According to Bachelet, the UN Human Rights Office will continue to monitor and report on the situation in the country. She hoped that Sri Lanka would find a peaceful solution to the current crisis to alleviate people's suffering, strengthen democracy and human rights, and prevent further violence.