US blames govt. for HR violations

11 March 2010 11:30 pm - 27 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The US has blamed the government for being involved in human rights violations last year and has stated that Sri Lanka is yet to make progress into the killings of several high profile people who were murdered as the war came to its bloody end.

However the report also stated that the country did make some progress after the war between the military and the LTTE came to an end after 35 years.

“The government's respect for human rights declined as armed conflict reached its conclusion,” the US said in its annual Human Rights report released by the State Department.

The report added that throughout last year, human rights observers alleged that progovernment paramilitary groups and security forces participated in armed attacks against civilians and practiced torture, kidnapping, hostage-taking, and extortion with impunity.

“During the year there were no indications or public reports that civilian or military courts convicted any military, police, or paramilitary members for human rights abuses. The executive failed to appoint the Constitutional Council, which is required under the constitution, thus obstructing the appointment of independent representatives to important institutions such as the Human Rights Commission, Bribery Commission, Police Commission, and Judicial Service Commission,” the report said.

It further said that there were numerous reports that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings and the police or other security forces killed several detained suspects.

It added that unknown actors suspected of association with paramilitary group’s reportedly assisting government military forces committed numerous killings and assaults of civilians.

The State Department further said that media freedom deteriorated in much of Sri Lanka last year, with most journalists practicing self-censorship after threats and violence against them.

“Statements by government and military officials contributed to an environment in which journalists who published articles critical of the government felt under threat,” it said.

However the State Department also reported some improvements.

Meanwhile, the report also blamed the LTTE for engaging in torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, denied fair public trials; arbitrarily interfered with privacy; and denied freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and association.

It further said that the LTTE prevented civilians under its control from crossing over to government-held territory by shooting and killing those attempting to escape and as the conflict intensified, the LTTE forcibly recruited both adults and children for combat and reportedly located mortars and other heavy weapons near or in civilian encampments, drawing government military fire in the process. (Daily Mirror online)

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Comments - 27

Friday, 12 March 2010 03:05 PM

Restoring Human Rights

Saturday, 13 March 2010 10:03 AM

Next time we would follow your American foot steps as you managed to silent Japan in world war two.

Saturday, 13 March 2010 05:59 AM

Yes You are the one!

Saturday, 13 March 2010 04:04 AM

Why mention Iraq and Afganistan,Think about our own backyard.Are we 100% clean ,General is in Jail,Karuna ,Pillayan K P are living in luxuary. Wake up people ,Are we total idiots?

Saturday, 13 March 2010 04:00 AM

US, please keep your nose out of Sri Lanka, You have no right to talk about human rights in Sri Lanka!!!

Saturday, 13 March 2010 02:55 AM

You mean... Terrorists Human Rights ?

Saturday, 13 March 2010 02:29 AM

Another Lunatic Statement by Americans... They are the biggest Violator... Now You are Talking..? They dont have work these days I guess.. Verbal Diarrhea ...

Saturday, 13 March 2010 02:22 AM

Sanjee.

We have Human Rights and IRAQ & AFGHANS HAVE ANIMAL RIGHTS?
What is USA Violating at Guantanamo? Animal Rights ha?

Saturday, 13 March 2010 01:06 AM

There is no point of making ineffective statements. Do something tangible to Penalise this King cum Idiot. He and his clan are devastating this beautiful island!!!!

Friday, 12 March 2010 07:58 PM

Truth be told, I don't think the general population of Sri Lanka are even aware of what 'human rights' are ... this being the extent and effect of their deprivation.

Friday, 12 March 2010 06:51 PM

Human rights abuses galore! This is a serious 'blot' on the country's image, regardless of whoever is responsible. It is alright to point to Iraq or Afghanistan but, 'two wrongs can never make a right.' Besides the gross abuses in Sri Lanka have been directed at its OWN citizens, unlike in the other two cases.

Friday, 12 March 2010 05:21 PM

Several "HIGH PROFILE PEOPLE" ?? Like Prabha, Nadesan, Charles Anthony etc.?? Unfortunately, the white flags they brought were not clean enough!!

Friday, 12 March 2010 04:47 PM

It is not a reason for us to violate SL HR's.

Friday, 12 March 2010 03:20 PM

NOW WHAT WEERAWANSA GOING TO DO, NO MORE DISNEYLAND.

Friday, 12 March 2010 04:08 AM

WHAT IS THE US DOING IN IRAQ & AFGHANISTAN?

Friday, 12 March 2010 02:42 PM

most people in the world and including Sri Lanka know about this. Therefore, US's statement is nothing new but reflection of the reality.

Friday, 12 March 2010 02:24 PM

Yes in Iraq and afganistan the civilians are killed in their thounsands by smart bombs. Peple are displaced in their millions. No peace on the horizon....

Friday, 12 March 2010 07:37 AM

We know that Tamil Civilians were NOT TARGETED,by our forces during the war. But the harassment to them from the LTTE is undisputed.

Friday, 12 March 2010 07:28 AM

America should work to empower people of this land and not a corrupt government. This government will empower only MR family and his generations.

Friday, 12 March 2010 06:56 AM

IF WIMAL CAN GO to protest infront of US embassy, I ll vote for him.

Friday, 12 March 2010 06:47 AM

Dear IRAQ & AFGHABISTAN both are different stories.. Not Like SL..

Friday, 12 March 2010 05:40 AM

Hey there America! Israel, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq... should we name more?

Friday, 12 March 2010 05:16 AM

Even China had Human Right violation problem and they improved it, so Sri Lanka is not exceptional.

Friday, 12 March 2010 04:53 AM

LOOK WHO IS TALKING. DOUBLE STANDARDS

Friday, 12 March 2010 04:51 AM

Thanks to Sarath Fonseka,Ranil, Some,Rauff,Managala and Mano

Friday, 12 March 2010 04:41 AM

US now you are talking

Friday, 12 March 2010 04:24 AM

No Sri Lankan in his/her right senses would deny it !

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US blames govt. for HR violations

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