UK led Core Group ‘deeply concerned’ on Sri Lanka’s use of PTA

Addressing the 47th sessions of the UN Human Rights Council, the Core Group on Sri Lanka led by the United Kindom (UK) said it is deeply concerned about the ongoing use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the recent intention to introduce rehabilitation process lacking adequate judicial oversight.

“Human rights lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah, and poet and teacher Ahnaf Jazeem, remain detained without trial and further arrests under this Act have continued, including among minority communities and the political opposition,” a statement from the Core Group said.

The Core Group statement on Sri Lanka was delivered on behalf of Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Malawi, Montenegro and the UK.

Council resolution 46/1 called upon the Sri Lankan Government to address the harmful legacies of war and to protect human rights, including for those from religious minorities. We regret the lack of progress on these issues, with a number of further concerning developments.

“The Sri Lankan Government has attempted to dismiss a number of emblematic cases and to initiate criminal proceedings against individuals pursuing some of these cases. This counters the Council’s call for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations. We call for former CID director Shani Abeysekera’s safety to be ensured,” the statement said.

The Core Group said it remain concerned about the restrictions on memorialization. “We join the Bar Association of Sri Lanka in requesting independent and impartial investigations into recent deaths in police custody,”

“We are concerned over appointments to the Office on Missing Persons and reiterate the importance of ensuring independent and credible institutions to achieve justice,”

The Core Group encouraged Sri Lanka to cooperate with the Council and OHCHR in relation to resolution 46/1 and stand ready to support this.