In a recent statement, Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters by the Sri Lankan security forces. The organization emphasized that “respect for human rights is critical for economic recovery.”
The statement comes in response to the forceful dispersing of peaceful protesters on 22 July that left more than 50 individuals injured, and resulted in the arrest of 9 others.
Anti-government protesters camped outside of the presidential office in Colombo on 22 July. Protest organizers had announced their plans to leave the site the following day. However, on the orders of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a raid was conducted by several hundred police and military troops.
In their statement, HRW calls on Wickremesinghe to “cease all unlawful use of force against protesters, release everyone arbitrarily detained, and investigate and appropriately prosecute those responsible for abuses.”
HRW also denounced the use of military personnel for public assemblies, emphasizing that “Law enforcement for public assemblies should normally be carried out by civilian police, not military personnel, as military personnel typically have little training in crowd control.”
South Asia director at HRW, Meenakshi Ganguly, condemned the new President’s actions stating “it sends a dangerous message to the Sri Lankan people that the new government intends to act through brute force rather than the rule of law.”
The Sri Lankan security forces have a long history of brute force against the Tamil population on the island. The North-East remains heavily militarized, with army personnel regularly intimidating and harassing locals.
The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has resulted in a wave of anti-government protests. Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned on 9 May. Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the island and officially resigned on 14 July. Ranil Wickremesinghe came into power as President on 20 July.
Wickremesinghe has previously called protesters fascists and directed the armed forces to “do whatever is necessary to restore order.” He has also refused to hold the Sri Lankan military accountable for past human rights violations and mass atrocities.
Ganguly highlights that addressing the economic needs of people necessitates that the government respects fundamental rights. Ganguly continues, “Sri Lanka’s international partners should send the message loud and clear that they can’t support an administration that tramples on the rights of its people.”
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