UN experts calls for end to arbitrary detention in SL

15 December 2017 05:40 pm - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The three-member UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention which was in Sri Lanka from December 4, today urged the government to introduce urgent reforms to the 'outdated' legal framework to end arbitrary detention in the country.

The delegation comprised Working Group Members José Antonio Guevara Bermúdez, Leigh Toomey and Elina Steinerte.

They called for urgent reforms to address problems including the excessive use of remand, a lack of effective alternatives to detention, an outdated legal framework and reliance on confessions often extracted under torture or duress.

The experts said further urgent action was required to give effect to Sri Lanka’s obligations under international human rights law, as well as the commitments made by the Government in its Human Rights National Action Plan 2017-2021.

“The right to personal liberty has yet to be respected by law enforcement, security forces, judicial and other authorities,” the experts said in a statement, at the end of their visit to the country.

They said court proceedings were affected by excessive and unjustified delays, while suspects remained in detention indefinitely, adding that the rights to the presumption of innocence and due process were yet to be fully recognized.

The experts urged Sri Lanka to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 1979, which they said was one of the key enablers of arbitrary detention for over four decades.

The experts also paid particular attention to the deprivation of liberty of those in situations of vulnerability, such as children, women, elderly people, those with psychosocial disabilities, and those living in poverty.

“Despite identifying positive practices in this regard, it is concerning that the legal basis and procedures for depriving people of their liberty are not clearly established. There are no effective safeguards against arbitrariness in this context and there is an urgent need to strengthen mechanisms for independent monitoring and oversight,” the experts said.

They will present the final report on its visit to the United Nations Human Rights Council in September next year. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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Comments - 16

ceylon Friday, 15 December 2017 05:57 PM

srilanka is a jubgle republic. via DM Android App

Jonty from Australia Friday, 15 December 2017 06:49 PM

Hey Guys, first of all your Guys go to the USA and ask them to end arbitrary detention before you poke your ugly nose into our matters. Ask your Big Brother America to clean up their Back Yard before worrying about ours.

Jaliya Friday, 15 December 2017 07:53 PM

Jonty is not from Australia nor he has ever been there. This is not the type of a comment that comes from anyone who lives in a civilized country.

daham Friday, 15 December 2017 07:59 PM

Yes, What about Guanthanamo Camp?

Premkumar Friday, 15 December 2017 08:00 PM

You don’t worry about USA, because of our ugly backyards only those experts concerned. Did you agree our law and order consistently prevails?

we are the fools in paradise Friday, 15 December 2017 09:08 PM

Why your guys migrating or coming as refugees and employed as coolies in western countries.

Nihal Amarasekera Friday, 15 December 2017 07:05 PM

Can we have a free for all country.

Mrs Sumanathi Smith Friday, 15 December 2017 08:17 PM

We should come out of the law of the jungle, revenge attitude, inhuman treatments of fellow human.

BE FRANK Saturday, 16 December 2017 07:55 AM

OR why you wear shirt,pants

Hautaum Friday, 15 December 2017 08:48 PM

what UN experts had done during the war where people were suffering much? It is too late

U KNOW Friday, 15 December 2017 08:48 PM

You all are here and you know how fair our judiciary in extending the Interim order for GOTA.

Jude Saturday, 16 December 2017 06:04 AM

Hey UN Officials get a life!! Get a grip!! You Bitches and SOB's !! UN Officials are bootlickers of Americans!!

chandra Saturday, 16 December 2017 04:24 PM

There is no Rule of Law in our country. In this regard Government, Judicial service and AG Department are responsible and accountable. That is why UN intervened our matters.

Dee Saturday, 16 December 2017 06:19 PM

Hope this goes for both sides equally!

Gayan Sunday, 17 December 2017 06:53 PM

The whole process is politicaly motivated.

senvan Monday, 18 December 2017 11:27 AM

poor guys truth and justice hurt you badly.Is this what Buddha preached???

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UN experts calls for end to arbitrary detention in SL

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