Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Last Updated : 2024-05-19 18:47:00
23 January 2024 06:16 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
UN experts expressed alarm at the heavy security-driven approach of Sri Lanka’s drug response, and they called on authorities to immediately suspend and review the so-called Operation ‘Yukthiya’ and to focus on policies based on health and human rights, a statement from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said.
“Drug users have human rights,” the experts said. “They deserve to live a life with dignity without facing further discrimination and stigmatisation.”
They deplored reported cases of arbitrary arrests of thousands of drug offenders from marginalised socio-economic groups, and the detention of hundreds in compulsory military-run rehabilitation centres. Torture and ill-treatment were also reported during the security operation known as ‘Yukthiya’.
“The current context of severe repression against suspected drug offenders is deeply worrying,” the experts said.
They stressed that rehabilitation must be conducted from a harm reduction perspective, respecting the autonomy and informed consent of drug users, including the right to refuse medication.
“Compulsory rehabilitation centres should be closed immediately and replaced by voluntary, evidence-based, rights-based and community-based social services,” said the experts, who stand ready to provide technical cooperation.
They urged Sri Lankan authorities to investigate thoroughly and impartially any allegations of torture, ill-treatment and denial of due process and fair trial rights.
“Irregularities in the judicial process of sending people to rehabilitation centres should also be investigated,” the experts said.
They called on the Government to review its current legislation on drug offences and to end the involvement of armed forces in drug control and treatment activities, in line with international human rights law and standards.
Dee Tuesday, 23 January 2024 06:56 AM
Yes. The current operation can lead to a collapse in the industry and eventually impact the economy indirectly. Many people who made good money are now feeling the pinch!
Gabriella Tuesday, 23 January 2024 07:30 AM
UN experts STF UP AND MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS !
Don Tuesday, 23 January 2024 07:40 AM
Drug use is a health issue. It must be handled by health authorities with the support of other social services authorities. There is no role for the tri forces. Any drug user has the right to refuse treatments. If any drug user behave antisocial manner, police can refer that person to a health authority. Tri forces should concentrate on arresting and taking legal action on drug importers and distributors. They don’t do that because they are politicians and powerful people. So, UN should teach a lesson and direct international funding authorities to suspend any financial support until the government behave decently upholding people’s rights.
Thank you UN Tuesday, 23 January 2024 07:49 AM
It is an anti-opponents of the government operations, carried out by the corrupt thug named Tiran Alles.
Nodaking kalakaniyo Tuesday, 23 January 2024 07:54 AM
The government pretending to solve the drug problem for an election slogan, while being in the payroll of the major drug importers.
S.H.Moulana Tuesday, 23 January 2024 08:37 AM
Could they stop Netanyahu killing 25,000 innocent people in Gaza. Killing still going on! We don't want our country ruined by our young ones getting addicted to drugs.
Jayantha Tuesday, 23 January 2024 08:39 AM
You have to tell these things to imf which is the bpdy actually running the country. Government is just a puppet of worlds bigest rogue money laundering organization imf. Organization that funds terrorism,human right violators and theives. Specially for bank robbers
Sandy Tuesday, 23 January 2024 08:58 AM
What is UN doing to rehabilitate drug users. There are drug junkies wandering in major towns in america , nobody cares. So much concern about drug addicts in Sri Lanka where there is a rehabilitation program.
Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 23 January 2024 09:48 AM
Harak Kata's money is working. The best quote is "Drug users have rights too". Yes they have rights as long as they don't mess things up for the others. Ukthiya also includes anti criminal operation. As per the UN the criminals have rights too such as killing others, robbing others, assaulting others,etc. So the UN collects money from governments around the world and they are trying to protect criminal and drug dealers rights. Very confusing.
Robbie Tuesday, 23 January 2024 10:36 AM
County must protect all elegal activities accordingly with Law
Sokrates Tuesday, 23 January 2024 11:33 AM
@Tissa Fernando. Tissa, why do you get so many things wrong? The UN spends huge sums on the global fight against drugs and does not support criminals like many Sri Lankan politicians do. A drug user only becomes a criminal by committing a crime, and if this occurs and he is convicted, a judge may send him to a rehabilitation center or to prison. Under no circumstances is the military suitable to run such centers; this must be done under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.
Tissa Fernando Wednesday, 24 January 2024 02:52 AM
Then why UN is against the Anti Drug operation? Why they keep quite in other parts of the world?
DOT Tuesday, 23 January 2024 02:56 PM
UN, please come and fix my village!
Nimo Moor Tuesday, 23 January 2024 10:39 PM
Look who is talking? They have credibility any more. Ignore them. Bunch of hypocrites
Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.
Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
The state-run loss-making State Mortgage & Investment Bank (SMIB) has reveale
US authorities are currently reviewing the manifest of every cargo aboard MV
On March 26, a couple arriving from Thailand was arrested with 88 live animal
According to villagers from Naula-Moragolla out of 105 families 80 can afford
47 minute ago - 0 - 20
7 hours ago
7 hours ago
18 May 2024
