Core Group: Sri Lanka Must Protect Freedom of Expression and Judicial Independence

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Core Group at the UNHRC, comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has issued a statement urging the Sri Lankan government to address longstanding for human rights violations.

The group emphasized the need for accountability and protection of human rights in the country.

The statement delivered by Rita French, Britain’s Global Ambassador for Human Rights and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, emphasized that any new legislation developed and implemented by Sri Lanka, including laws related to counter-terrorism and online safety, must fulfill its human rights obligations, adding that safeguarding freedom of expression for all citizens is crucial.

"We stress the need to safeguard judicial independence and the independence and transparency of the country’s legal institutions," she added.

While welcoming the release of land from the High Security zone in Jaffna, the group remains concerned about ongoing tensions related to land seizures in the north and east of Sri Lanka.

Reports of arbitrary arrests, irregular searches, and ill-treatment during police operations raise further alarm, added Rita French.

The Sri Lanka Core Group stressed the importance of safeguarding judicial independence and ensuring transparency within the country's legal institutions.

The group called on the government to establish independent, inclusive, impartial, and transparent transitional justice mechanisms. These mechanisms should meet the expectations of affected communities and address the legacy of human rights violations, added the UK's Ambassador.