EU wants SL to maintain zero tolerance for hate speech

8 June 2018 05:18 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The European Union (EU) has encouraged Sri Lanka to address issues relating to religious and ethnic hatred and to maintain zero tolerance for hate speech and crimes.

This was stressed by a delegation of the EU at the third meeting of the Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights under the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission which was held in Brussels on Tuesday.

The meeting took place in the context of Sri Lanka being granted better access to the EU for its exports under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in May 2017.

In a statement, the EU said the Sri Lankan Government has made progress in protecting and enhancing human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country.

“A number of important measures have been taken, including the operationalisation of the Office on Missing Persons, the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the passing of the Right to Information Bill,” it said.

The Working Group reaffirmed its commitment to promote and protect human rights domestically and globally and to collaborate on the effective implementation of international human rights instruments.

Meanwhile, the EU delegation stressed Sri Lanka the importance of addressing areas of concern, especially torture, violence against women and the need to combat corruption.

The EU drew attention to the importance of Sri Lanka making prompt and concrete progress in fulfilling international commitments on human rights and labour rights as well as environmental protection.

There had been a detailed exchange of information on many important ongoing reforms, such as the replacement of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and reform of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act to bring them in line with international standards, and the status of the Constitution.

The participants agreed on the need to make further progress on reconciliation.

“To this end, the full implementation of the UNHRC Resolution remains a priority. The EU reiterated its readiness to continue supporting the Government in advancing national reconciliation,” the statement said.

The conclusions and recommendations of the Working Group will be reported to the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission to be held later this year in Brussels. The Joint Commission will then assess the progress achieved since the recent meeting.

The EU delegation was led by Caroline Vinot, Head of Division for Regional Affairs and South Asia of the European External Action Service while the Sri Lankan delegation was led by Shobini Gunasekera, Director-General for European Union, Commonwealth and Multilateral Treaties Division of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

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Comments - 12

Ceylon Friday, 08 June 2018 05:42 PM

See how stupid idiots rule lanka.others have say this.people protestfir rights,then medis ckose down.but criminals hate activities allowed to continue.now no one do right in lanka.people organise and start peoples power to stop these traitors befire tgey destroy all.

Jagath Leanage Friday, 08 June 2018 05:56 PM

What E.U.ask us is curtail our Freedom of Expression ? How sad it is.

ALso quick action on those responsible Friday, 08 June 2018 06:02 PM

" address issues relating to religious and ethnic hatred and to maintain zero tolerance for hate speech and crimes." - wonder why they did not raise the issue of the lethargic attitude (of the Govt.) in not punishing those responsible for the Kandy, Digana mayhem

L pera Friday, 08 June 2018 06:03 PM

Then first one to arrest is praba's brother in law MP and wingesh CM

Martin Milton Friday, 08 June 2018 06:12 PM

Everyone would agree that hate speech is wrong. Who are the EU? What right have they to dictate anything to Sri Lanka? Let them hold thieir opinions to themselves and look after the interests of the EU. We all know what is happening to the EU at present. It is disintegrating and becoming totally destabilised with policies of unlimited migration into the EU. So please look after you own backyard and do not come preaching to other sovereign nations. MM

THEY ARE TELLING US TO BE CIVILISED Friday, 08 June 2018 08:14 PM

Mr Milton - OK - tell them to go to hell - and stew in your own juice without GSP plus.

laki Friday, 08 June 2018 06:45 PM

A good advice by the EU and should be taken in good faith. But in the same breath it must be stressed that we have zero tolerance when they try to impose things on us and when they interfere on our internal affairs also.

ADVISE TO OUR MUTTS Friday, 08 June 2018 08:16 PM

Due to our inactions - do you call this interference ? or giving advise for us to behave

Wise Donkey Friday, 08 June 2018 06:56 PM

Except for few in every community the rest are all peace loving people and no ones wants another's life just because he is of another brand - of religion or sect. After all we are all human being and have the same feeling and pain. Martin Luther King said hatred is a big burden to carry so I select love. Social media has created enough chaos and destruction in our peaceful land. In a recent speech forwarded to me by a learned monk in English he propagates how one should live without creating unrest and harm to others. It was really superb. We want many like him.

Palitha Galapitiya Friday, 08 June 2018 07:53 PM

First We should dicipline the President.

lanka Friday, 08 June 2018 08:22 PM

EU is not a democratic organisation. Run by a non-elected bureaucratic bunch of banker mafia. How many African, Middle eastern and Asian countries were invaded by these European nations. Over the years torture, violence against women and corruption was originated by these hypocrites.

Damian Monday, 11 June 2018 03:31 PM

EU is another stupid organization

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EU wants SL to maintain zero tolerance for hate speech

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