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A United Nations delegation led by Special Rapporteur Clément Nyalestsossi Voule met with protesting Tamil villagers from Keppapilavu last week, as they continued to demand the Sri Lankan military vacate their land.
Voule is leading a delegation to assess rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association on the island.
His visit to Keppapilavu comes as Tamil villagers continued their protest, which has gone on for more than 870 days so far.
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Speaking to reporters in Mullaitivu last week, where the Sri Lankan security forces have continued to occupy private Tamil land, the protestors criticised Tamil politicians, stating that they have been “forsaken”.
Prior to his visit Voule said there had been 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”.
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The Special Rapporteur will hold a press conference on 26 July in Colombo at the united Nations compound, to present his findings.
A comprehensive report on his visit will be presented at the 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council in June 2020.
