UNHRC: Core Group welcomes PTA reforms | Daily News

UNHRC: Core Group welcomes PTA reforms

The Government of Sri Lanka’s outreach to the international community and statements of intent regarding on reforming the Prevention of Terrorism Act are welcome, though our longstanding concerns about this legislation still remain, the Core Group on Sri Lanka led by the United Kingdom told the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Tuesday.

The Core Group on Sri Lanka also includes Canada, Germany, Malawi, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

Addressing the 48th Session of the UNHRC the UK representative on behalf of the Core Group on Sri Lanka, urged the Government of Sri Lanka to bring its counter-terrorism legislation in line with its international human rights obligations.

“We recognise the challenges Sri Lanka is facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and express our 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,” the Core Group stated.

“We are also deeply concerned about current human rights developments. There have been increased limitations on civic space including reports of surveillance and intimidation of civil society groups, intimidation of journalists, and reprisals against those protesting peacefully. We stress the importance of providing a safe and enabling environment for civil society actors.

“We further reiterate our request made at the last session for independent and impartial investigations into deaths in police custody,” the statement read.

 


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