Over 1 million Lankans have left the country in the last 20 months – The Island

The Core Group on Sri Lanka will address the ongoing economic crisis in a draft resolution to be submitted to the 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to help ensure its implementation I have requested the Government of Sri Lanka to To prevent it from happening again by investigating and prosecuting corruption by public and former public officials. We support and stand ready to support independent, impartial and transparent efforts in this regard.

The Core Group consists of the UK, USA, Germany, Canada, Malawi, North Macedonia and Montenegro. The Core Group has expressed concern about the human rights impacts of the economic crisis, including growing food insecurity and severe fuel shortages. The group has also emphasized the need to promote and protect the rights of the most marginalized and disadvantaged individuals, including daily wage earners.

children, the elderly, and the disabled. They also “expressed concern about other human rights developments, including violence and arrests against peaceful protesters, violence against government supporters, and the death, injury, destruction and destruction of homes after April 2022. underlining the importance of independent investigations into all attacks and holding those found responsible for accountability.”

The Core Group also said it was concerned about the militarization of civilian government functions, the erosion of judicial independence, and the key institutions responsible for promoting and protecting human rights. Longstanding grievances and demands of the Tamil and Muslim population have not been addressed. Surveillance, intimidation, harassment, sexual and gender-based violence against journalists, human rights defenders, families of missing persons and those involved in mourning activities.

An excerpt from the draft is provided below. (46/1 OP4)

The persistent lack of independence, impartiality and transparency in domestic mechanisms, as well as the delay in granting and granting presidential pardons to those accused or convicted of crimes related to serious human rights violations, have led to symbolic human rights violations. Note that the case is spoiled. (new)

Recognizes the importance of preserving and analyzing evidence relating to human rights abuses and abuses and related crimes in Sri Lanka, with a view to advancing accountability, and decides to expand and strengthen the capacity of the Office of the High Commission; Analyze and preserve information and evidence to develop possible strategies for future accountability processes for gross human rights abuses in Sri Lanka or gross violations of international humanitarian law, to advocate and relate to victims and survivors Assist with judicial and other proceedings. Member States having jurisdiction. (46/1 OP6, slightly modified)

Also expressed concern that the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted freedom of religion or belief and exacerbated general marginalization and discrimination against the Muslim community. while allowing the cremation of those who died of COVID-19. 19. It is no longer mandatory and urges Muslims and followers of other religions to continue their own religious rituals of burial. (46/1 OP8 updated)

Calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to promptly, thoroughly and impartially investigate and, where justified, prosecute all alleged crimes related to human rights abuses and gross violations of international humanitarian law, including symbolic cases over the years. ask to secure. (46/1 OP9)

Call on the Government of Sri Lanka to address the ongoing economic crisis and prevent it from happening again, including by investigating and prosecuting corruption, including by public and former public officials, and where warranted. and is ready to support and support independence. A fair and transparent approach in this regard. (new)

While emphasizing the importance of revitalizing the Missing Persons Secretariat and the Reparations Secretariat, we note that the concrete results expected by victims and other stakeholders have yet to be achieved. Missing persons can learn their fate and whereabouts, and the importance of the effective and independent functioning of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission. (46/1 OP3 and OP10 – modified)

Calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to create a safe and enabling environment to protect civil society actors, including human rights defenders, to investigate any attacks, and to allow civil society to operate free from the threat of obstacles, surveillance, insecurity and reprisals. Demand further to ensure (46/1 OP11)

The introduction of the March 2022 amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act, the continuing occurrence of detentions under this Act, and, in this regard, the government’s commitment to introduce new legislation on combating terrorism. Mindful of intent, we encourage governments to engage in: Civil society, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and relevant United Nations special procedures mandate holders to ensure that any legislation on combating terrorism fully complies with the State’s international human rights and humanitarian law consultations in the preparation of a new law with Legal obligation; (46/1 OP12 update)

Calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to promote freedom of religion or belief and pluralism by facilitating the ability of all religious communities to express their religion and contribute openly and on an equal footing to society; (46/1 OP13)

Encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to continue to cooperate with the Human Rights Council’s special procedures, including formally responding to outstanding requests from the Human Rights Council; (46/1 OP14)

Encourages the Office of the High Commission and relevant Special Procedures Powers holders, in consultation with and with the consent of the Government of Sri Lanka, to provide advice and technical assistance in implementing the above measures; (46/1 OP15)

Requests the Office of the High Commission to intensify its monitoring and reporting of the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, including progress in reconciliation and accountability, the human rights impact of the economic crisis and corruption, and to provide oral updates; . A comprehensive report containing reports to the 53rd and 55th sessions of the Human Rights Council, a written update at its 54th session, and further options for promoting accountability at its 57th session Both will be discussed. Interactive conversation context. (46/1 OP16)”