The rights situation in Sri Lanka was raised once again at the 24th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva today.
Both the United States and Germany raised concerns about Sri Lanka in the general debate on countries that require attention of the Council.
Calling on the Sri Lankan government to set dates and provide access to relevant Special Rapporteurs, the United States also expressed concern regarding the on-going rights abuses, stating,
“We remain concerned by violence against religious minorities, excessive use of force by the military against peaceful protestors, violations of freedom of expression, and reprisals against human rights defenders, members of civil society and journalists.”
The German Ambassador, Hanns Schumacher, also expressed concerns, over the rights abuses, highlighting,
“The upcoming elections in the Northern Province could help to reconcile and enfranchise the Tamil population, but only if they are free and fair, and if the 13th amendment is not revoked. At the same time, conditions for the work of journalists, human rights defenders and NGOs continue to deteriorate.”
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