UN human rights chief concerned over Online Safety Act and IGP appointment

• The UN is also concerned about the appointment of the new Inspector General of Police, despite the Supreme Court’s finding that he was responsible for torture of an individual in 2010

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed deep concern over Sri Lanka’s proposed legislative measures, at the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council, warning of their potential impact on fundamental rights and freedoms.   Türk highlighted the introduction of several new laws, including the Online Safety Act, Anti-Terrorism Bill, Electronic Media Broadcasting Authority Bill and NGO Supervision and Registration Bill.

“These laws, if enacted, could grant extensive powers to the executive, security forces, and severely restrict freedoms of assembly, association and expression,” he said.   Moreover, Türk emphasized the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, with poverty levels soaring to an estimated 27.9% and a significant decline in household incomes. \
Despite efforts by the government, social protection remains strained, with a substantial portion of the budget allocated towards debt servicing.  
The UN High Commissioner also addressed human rights violations dating back to the civil war’s end 15 years ago, including unresolved disappearances, land disputes and lack of devolution promised by Provincial Councils and Local Government bodies.  

Furthermore, Türk raised concerns about the delay in justice for victims of the Easter Sunday bombings, despite the introduction of draft legislation for a Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation. Allegations of surveillance, harassment and arrests of civil society representatives and journalists persist, indicating a troubling environment for accountability and truth-seeking.  
He said the UN is also concerned about the appointment of the new Inspector General of Police, despite the Supreme Court’s finding that he was responsible for torture of an individual in 2010.  
Highlighting reports of abductions, unlawful detention and torture, including sexual violence, Türk underscored the urgent need for comprehensive security sector reforms. Despite these challenges, the UN High Commissioner reiterated the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and economic crisis for genuine reconciliation and sustainable peace.  
Türk urged the Sri Lankan government to reverse the trend of regressive laws and authoritarian approaches and called for credible accountability measures to investigate and prosecute human rights violations and economic crimes.   
He also urged member states to reinforce these efforts, including through universal jurisdiction and targeted measures against alleged perpetrators.