Addressing the 54th UN Human Rights Council session, the European Union (EU) emphasised the need for uphold human rights, deliver on accountability, and suspend Sri Lanka’s draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Whilst acknowledging the positive rhetoric from the Sri Lankan president on reconciliation and resolving land disputes, the delegation noted that they were still awaiting concrete actions.
The EU further called on Sri Lanka to respect the right to peaceful assembly and to refrain from the use of force against peaceful demonstrators. This is in light of brutal crackdowns on protesters and continued surveillance and harassment of civil society actors and journalists.
The EU maintained its continued support Sri Lanka’s efforts towards a fully inclusive dialogue on governance, rule of law, democratic renewal, as well as human rights.
Read the full statement here.