UNHRC urges GoSL to repeal PTA
A United Nations Human Rights report published earlier this week has called on the Sri Lankan government to strengthen accountability for human rights violations and implement legal and institutional reforms. The report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) criticised the government’s continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism […]
The United Nations Human Rights Commission has urged the Sri Lankan government to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and promote accountability for human rights violations. The OHCHR report highlighted the government's continued use of the PTA, surveillance against civil society actors, activists, and journalists, and tensions over land and religious sites on the island.
The report called for the release of military-occupied lands, repeal of the PTA, release of long-term detainees under the legislation, support for memorialisation initiatives, and strengthening the independence and credibility of the Office of the Missing Persons. Civil society actors, activists, and victims faced surveillance, questioning, and intimidation by state intelligence services, particularly in the North-East.
The OHCHR noted 16 allegations of surveillance, intimidation, and harassment by the government against these groups. The report also emphasized the need for accountability for wartime crimes and violations, with the newly elected government yet to present a clear vision for justice and accountability. The government rejected accountability-related resolutions of the Human Rights Council and continued to reject resolutions addressing the issue of enforced disappearances.
The OHCHR urged for legislative reforms to strengthen the Office of the Missing Persons' independence, capacity, and investigative powers.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
