Sri Lanka Core Group calls for accountability for protest-related violence

• Says it is deeply concerned over the heavy-handed responses to peaceful protests
• Urges SL to safeguard the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, association and freedom of expression
• Stresses the importance of upholding the rule of law and safeguarding representative democracy

The Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) says it is deeply concerned over the heavy-handed responses to peaceful protests by the Sri Lankan authorities. 

In a statement delivered by UK Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations in Geneva Simon Manley on behalf of the Sri Lanka Core Group, he urged Sri Lanka to safeguard the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association and freedom of expression. 

“We call for accountability for any protest-related violence. Civil society has an important part to play in encouraging the protection of human rights and we underline the importance of protecting space for civil society’s important work, including through any future legislation,” he said. 

“We stress the crucial importance of upholding the rule of law and safeguarding representative democracy, including by ensuring the independence of institutions and governance systems,” he said, adding that protecting the electoral system is also crucial to maintain the confidence of the country’s citizens. 

Manley also urged the Sri Lankan authorities to address long-standing impunity and corruption while highlighting the need for good governance, which together with sound economic policies, should better support the prosperity of all Sri Lankans. 

“Noting commitments made to the Council in September by the Government of Sri Lanka, we emphasise the importance of transitional justice, including the promotion of truth and accountability, with the goal of reconciliation and accountability for all communities. We also emphasise the importance of replacing the Prevention of Terrorism Act with legislation that aligns with Sri Lanka’s international obligations,” he added. 

The Core Group, however, welcomed the country’s most recent commitments with respect to the protection of human rights in Sri Lanka, efforts at constitutional reform and initiatives aimed at fostering political inclusion. It also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s positive engagement in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process in January. “We are keen to assist Sri Lanka in implementing its UPR recommendations,” he said. 

The Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC consists of the United Kingdom, Malawi, Canada, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the United States.