March 04, Colombo (LNW): During the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed profound concern regarding Sri Lanka’s proposed legislative actions, cautioning against potential infringements on fundamental rights and freedoms. Türk highlighted the introduction of several new laws, including the Online Safety Act, Anti-Terrorism Bill, Electronic Media Broadcasting Authority Bill, and NGO Supervision and Registration Bill. He warned that these laws, if enacted, could grant extensive powers to the executive and security forces, leading to severe restrictions on freedoms of assembly, association, and expression. Additionally, Türk underscored the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, noting a surge in poverty levels to an estimated 27.9% and a significant decline in household incomes. Despite government efforts, social protection remains strained, with a considerable portion of the budget allocated to debt servicing. Addressing human rights violations dating back to the end of the civil war 15 years ago, Türk pointed out unresolved disappearances, land disputes, and unfulfilled promises of devolution by Provincial Councils and Local Government bodies. Furthermore, Türk expressed concerns about the delayed justice for victims of the Easter Sunday bombings, despite the introduction of draft legislation for a Commission for Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation. Reports of surveillance, harassment, and arrests of civil society representatives and journalists persist, indicating a worrisome environment for accountability and truth-seeking. Highlighting reports of abductions, unlawful detention, and torture, including sexual violence, Türk stressed the urgent need for comprehensive security sector reforms. Despite these challenges, Türk reiterated the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and economic crisis for genuine reconciliation and sustainable peace. Türk urged the Sri Lankan government to reconsider regressive laws and authoritarian approaches, emphasising the necessity for credible accountability measures to investigate and prosecute human rights violations and economic crimes. He also called on member states to support these efforts, including through universal jurisdiction and targeted measures against alleged perpetrators. Read Full Statement: https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches/2024/03/high-commissioner-presents-updates-human-rights-colombia-guatemala