UNHRC Session Core Group raises concern on current HR development in SL

• Lack of progress on accountability
• Need to reform Prevention of Terrorism Act
• Increased limitations on civil society space

By Sunil Jayasiri

The Core Group of Sri Lanka (Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Malawi, Montenegro and the UK) today raised its concern about th current human rights developments in Sri Lanka, including accountability, ongoing PTA detentions and increased limitations on civil society space. 

“We continue to stress the importance of a comprehensive reconciliation and accountability process. We note Sri Lanka’s declared intent to promote reconciliation and to ensure the continuity of the work of the Office of Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations. 

We call on the Government to ensure the political independence of these institutions,” the UK's Ambassador to the UN and WTO in Geneva, Simon Manley, said delivering the statement at the ongoing UN Human Rights Session on behalf of the Core Group of Sri Lanka.
“We are disappointed that even the limited progress made on accountability on key emblematic cases has regressed. Recent developments on the case involving the disappearance of 11 youths in 2008-2009 is of particular concern,” he said.

The Core group also recognised the challenges Sri Lanka is facing due to the COVID 19 pandemic and express group’s condolences to the people of Sri Lanka for the many lives that have been lost.

“We continue to stress the importance of a comprehensive reconciliation and accountability process. We note Sri Lanka’s declared intent to promote reconciliation and to ensure the continuity of the work of the Office of Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations. We call on the Government to ensure the political independence of these institutions. We are disappointed that even the limited progress made on accountability on key emblematic cases has regressed. Recent developments on the case involving the disappearance of 11 youths in 2008-2009 is of particular concern.”

“We are deeply concerned about current human rights developments, in particular increased limitations being put on civic space including reports of surveillance and intimidation of civil society groups, intimidation of journalists and reprisals against those protesting peacefully.