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Ensure democratic space remains open in SL: UK’s Int’l Ambassador for Human Rights

1 July 2020 01:49 pm - 13     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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UK's International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French called on Sri Lanka to ensure that the country’s democratic space remains open and accountable. 

She expressed this while delivering the statement on behalf of Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Montenegro and the UK, the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council 44.

The full statement is as follows,  

In February, the Government of Sri Lanka indicated that it no longer supported resolution 30/1, which Sri Lanka had co-sponsored in a landmark partnership with the international community to address the harmful legacies of war and build a sustainable peace in the country.

We reiterate our profound disappointment at this development. We remain firmly committed to advancing the resolution’s goals of accountability, reconciliation, and inclusive peace in Sri Lanka.

While the Government of Sri Lanka has stated its own commitment to advancing these principles through domestic processes, we stress that any accountability mechanism must have the confidence of those affected.

Since March, Sri Lanka has been battling COVID-19, and has kept case numbers significantly lower than the regional average. However, as stated by the High Commissioner, extraordinary measures to tackle the pandemic should not be used to roll back human rights. 

We share the concerns of Sri Lankan human rights organisations over the targeting and marginalisation of minority groups, the pardoning of Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and promotion of others accused of serious violations during the conflict, and the militarisation of a wide range of civilian functions and public initiatives.

We call for detentions and arrests to follow due process and be compliant with international norms and universal rights, for example in the case of lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah, who has now been detained for almost three months without charge or presentation before the court. We call for an end to impunity for the violations and abuses of the past.

 


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  Comments - 13

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  • Psg Wednesday, 01 July 2020 03:30 PM

    Do the same to USA then come here.

    RF Wednesday, 01 July 2020 03:48 PM

    These people (Including UN) should first preach the big fish before that bully small fish like us. Such hypocrisy!!!

    Dimuthu Wednesday, 01 July 2020 04:18 PM

    To create more space we must consider uprooting colonial statues in and around Colombo!

    followus Wednesday, 01 July 2020 04:43 PM

    R U crazy still u have any doubt the democrcy space in SL even after appointments made to our all retired army officers.

    Jeeves Wednesday, 01 July 2020 05:33 PM

    What does ambassador French think about Guantanamo Bay, and all the detainees held in limbo by US, including a 12 year old boy??

    ari Wednesday, 01 July 2020 06:44 PM

    Have you aired your disappointment over US leaving UNHCR claiming it to be a cesspit of political bias and also the recent riots there. Therein lies the rub. What's good for the gander should be good for the geese.

    jayt Wednesday, 01 July 2020 07:28 PM

    Not only that, first have to find the way to install nuclear weapons then remove Tamil agent population population and next remove English schools' names and streets names and there many more things to be done I do not support MR or GR but I support China completely take over Africa

    jayt Wednesday, 01 July 2020 07:30 PM

    She was hired by that known spies because She Indian immigrant

    jayt Wednesday, 01 July 2020 07:42 PM

    She is a Hindu immigrant hired by UK and Israel. You know all Indian immigrants are given job at UN and British commonwealth by UK and Israel. This how bribe works More they promote hatred toward Sri lanka, more the Indian are happy. More Indian are happy, more Indian sell India's properties to western countries. And moreover, more they are happy more they buy trillion-dollars weapons from Israel, US and UK.

    A D Weerasekera Wednesday, 01 July 2020 07:59 PM

    These hilarious westerners must first be made accountable for war crimes for invading our country, murdering at will of countless unarmed civilians, wreaking havoc on a prosperous nation by plundering our national wealth including the daylight robbery of invaluable ola leaf writings on every aspect of national life. UK - then a nation of sea pirates so as some of their today's allies are richer over their former colonies thanks to the twin evils of sea piracy and colonization!

    Sokrates Wednesday, 01 July 2020 08:12 PM

    All correct Madam French. But you now should take stern actions like hard sanctions against Sri Lanka. This ruthless military regime under the Tyran Gota needs the hard way

    David Wednesday, 01 July 2020 09:24 PM

    Any comment about other countries are allowed but when something is said about India in a negative way you are arrogantly stopping the comment. Occasionally you allow comments against India to fool the people that you are neutral.

    AM Wednesday, 01 July 2020 10:41 PM

    it was the resolution that gave time to cover up evidence of war crimes in Sri Lanka. A resolution without any consequences for breakers is a waste


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