A high-level delegation from the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has been denied entry to Sri Lanka, reported the DailyMirror.
The delegation, including the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers Gabriela Knaul, and the first UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers Param Cumaraswamy.
Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, an IBAHRI Co-Chair said in a statement,
“We deeply regret the Government of Sri Lanka’s decision to deny entry of an International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute delegation for a second time,
“It is not so long ago that Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr Nonis was on record saying that IBAHRI representatives would be allowed into Sri Lanka. It is very disappointing that such action has been taken to block entry, particularly as Sri Lanka is incoming Chair in Office of the Commonwealth, and host of CHOGM 2013.”
“By denying entry to the IBAHRI delegation the Government of Sri Lanka is demonstrating to the world its determination to block freedom of speech and independent discussion in the country, leaving the Commonwealth Heads cocooned and isolated,” said Stenford Moyo, another Co-Chair.
“If the Commonwealth is to have any relevance in today’s world, it must act swiftly and decisively to ensure that Sri Lanka engages meaningfully with human rights.”