New Delhi: The United Kingdom has joined other nations in raising concerns about the human rights situation in Sri Lanka at the 57th Human Rights Council. In a statement representing Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United States, the UK welcomed the WTO report on Sri Lanka and reiterated concerns regarding human rights in the country.
“We share your concern about the impact on human rights and fundamental freedoms of several new or proposed laws,” the UK Mission to the WTO, UN and Other International Organisations (Geneva) said,
“All legislation, including that relating to counter terrorism, online safety, and civil society must align with Sri Lanka’s human rights obligations. Civil society, journalists and impacted communities face sustained surveillance and harassment. We also are concerned about reports of arbitrary arrests and torture,” the statement added as it reiterated the need to promote and protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including during memorialisation events.
“While we welcome the return of some military-held land to civilian control, we stress the importance of addressing land disputes in the north and east, which exacerbate inter-communal tensions and impact the ability of communities to freely practice their faith,” the statement further added.
It also made a reference to the upcoming elections in the Asain country and urged the government to “re-engage” with the HR Council and to build a “conducive environment for “for meaningful reconciliations and transitional justice.”