The Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has reiterated the need to promote and protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the island nation, including during memorialisation events.
The Sri Lanka Core Group statement at the UNHRC in Geneva was delivered by the UK’s Ambassador on behalf of Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The statement was delivered during the Interactive Dialogue on Sri Lanka at the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) that commenced in Geneva on September 09, following the presentation of the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The Core Group said it shares the High Commissioner’s concern about the impact on human rights and fundamental freedoms of several new or proposed laws.
They stressed that “all legislation, including that relating to counter-terrorism, online safety, and civil society, must align with Sri Lanka’s human rights obligations.”
The statement alleged sustained surveillance and harassment faced by civil society, journalists, and impacted communities.
The Core Group said it is also “concerned about reports of arbitrary arrests and torture” and reiterated the need to “promote and protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including during memorialization events.”
While welcoming the return of some military-held land to civilian control, the Core Group stressed the importance of addressing “land disputes in the north and east, which exacerbate inter-communal tensions and impact the ability of communities to freely practice their faith.”
As Sri Lanka approaches elections, the Core Group urged the government to “re-engage with the Human Rights Council process; to build a conducive environment for meaningful reconciliations and transitional justice; and to ensure mechanisms are independent, inclusive, transparent, and address the priorities of affected communities.”
“We remain ready to support Sri Lanka in addressing these concerns,” the statement concluded.
