The UN human rights office has urged Sri Lankan authorities to revise the Anti-Terrorism Bill to align with the island’s international human rights obligations.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed concerns about the proposed Bill to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act in Sri Lanka, issuing a statement on Friday (19).
The OHCHR warns that the proposed law to repeal the PTA may perpetuate past violations, despite its potential for significant reform in Sri Lanka’s internal security approach.
The UN human rights office further criticizes the Anti-Terrorism Bill for broad definitions of terrorism, limited judicial guarantees, and limitations on the Human Rights Commission’s visit to detention sites.
The OHCHR cautions that if passed, the Bill would grant excessive executive powers to restrict rights, with no safeguard against abuse.
The OHCHR further emphasized that the pertinent Bill would reduce the legal basis for security forces to arrest individuals without warrants, while still allowing for prolonged pre-trial detention.
The authorities have been requested by the OHHCR to engage with civil society and stakeholders to revise the Bill in line with Sri Lanka’s international human rights obligations.
Read the full statement: https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-briefing-notes/2024/01/call-sri-lanka-revise-anti-terrorism-bill
The National Democratic Front (NDF) party secretary has unilaterally nominated Ravi Karunanayake for the coalition’s national list parliamentary seat this morning (18), former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.
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