Addressing the 19th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada (LRWC), an NGO that advocates the rights of human rights activists internationally, highlighted Sri Lanka's failure to make meaningful progress on peace and reconciliation, whilst increasing its intimidation and harrassment of those campaigning for human rights.
See here for full statement, including LRWC's concerns regarding the situation in Syria.
Extracts reproduced below:
"Since winning the war in 2009, Sri Lanka has failed in attaining peace."
"Sri Lanka has enjoyed the support of this Council. Sri Lanka has been given the appropriate time and space to offer a path towards peace and reconciliation."
"However, for close to three years, it squandered these opportunities, and has instead commenced a full frontal attack on anyone seeking the universal application of human rights laws, and standards, including human rights defenders in Sri Lanka and those attending this very Council. Government delegates continue to hinder the full participation of NGO’s at this Council, and we have seen a marked reduction in individuals attending from Sri Lanka as a result."
"As you correctly point out your Excellency, both reports must be discussed and appropriate measures must be taken to ensure the recommendations are acted on, with a definitive timeline for its implementation."
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