<p>UN Special Rapporteur Clément Nyalestsossi Voule is visiting Sri Lanka from 18 to 26 July 2019 to assess rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the country.</p>
<p>Voule will assess issues related to the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, including their intersection with the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.</p>
<p>“We have seen a commendable effort to expand civic space in Sri Lanka, the establishment of strong and independent institutions, and noticeable strides towards truth and reconciliation in the country,” Voule said.</p>
<p>“I hope that my visit will aid in the further strengthening of public freedom, at a conjuncture where the country has had to face important challenges, including the recent and tragic Easter terrorist attacks,” he added.</p>
<p>During his visit, the Special Rapporteur will visit the Northern, Eastern and Southern provinces as well as Colombo. He will meet with Government officials, representatives of the judiciary, legislature, media, civil society, trade unions and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.</p>
<p>The Special Rapporteur will hold a press conference on 26 July in Colombo at the united Nations compound, to present his findings.</p>
<p>A comprehensive report on his visit will be presented at the 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council in June 2020.</p>
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